On December 30, 2024, the Cantonal Court in Mostar issued a ruling annulling the underground exploitation permit granted to Adriatic Metals BH. The decision was based on concerns over the potential threat to the drinking water source that supplies the Municipality of Kakanj. The court’s reasoning stated that the critical question of whether underground exploitation would impact the Bukovica water intake, and the extent of that impact, was not adequately addressed. Additionally, the court found that the Federation Ministry had authorized exploitation at an unexamined and restricted site.