Perceptions of Quality of Life and Environmental Conditions in Coal-Affected Settlements: A Case Study of the Municipality of Ugljevik

Dragica Delić

Abstract


This study examines the perceived impact of coal exploitation on quality of life and environmental conditions in the Municipality of Ugljevik, Republic of Srpska / Bosnia and Herzegovina (RS/B&H), where surface coal mining and electricity production form the basis of the local economy. The survey was conducted with 362 residents, and 353 fully completed questionnaires were analyzed. Two composite indices were constructed: the Perceived Mining Impact on Quality of Life (PMIQL) and the Perceived Mining Impact on Environmental Quality (PMIEQ), both showing high internal reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.95 and 0.86, respectively). Nonparametric tests indicate significant differences in residents’ perceptions depending on gender, education, and household size. Women and respondents with lower education levels or single-member households reported higher impact frequencies. The spatial component was critical: residents of settlements closer to or directly affected by mining reported significantly higher scores on both indices. The results of the multiple regression analysis confirm spatial exposure as the strongest predictor of perceptions, while gender remained significant only in the case of environmental assessments. Other socio-demographic variables had a limited impact after controlling for spatial factors. The integration of survey data and spatial analysis based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) highlights the key role of geographic exposure in shaping local perceptions, indicating the need for targeted interventions in affected settlements. This research contributes to the broader understanding of environmental justice and mining-related risks.


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