Gold refinery Value Trading is blunt again: Council for Permit Disputes agrees with Minister Demir (Antwerp)

The Council for Permit Disputes also agrees with Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) in refusing an environmental permit for precious metals processor Value Trading. The minister let us know. According to Demir, there is too much uncertainty about toxic emissions.

After the court of first instance ruled against precious metal processor Value Trading earlier this year in the proceedings against Minister of the Environment Zuhal Demir (N-VA), the Council of Permit Disputes is now also following suit.

In November 2022, Minister Demir refused to grant the company a new environmental permit because, according to her, there were too few guarantees about the impact of heavy metal emissions and their consequences on residents in the area. This refusal therefore continues to stand today.

READ ALSO. Controversial Antwerp gold refinery takes Minister Demir to court, who reacts with surprise: “Arrogance and contempt”

Strong opposition

Value Trading is located in Jacob Jacobsstraat in the middle of the Jewish neighborhood. Local residents accuse the company of being the cause of the high number of cancer cases in the neighborhood. The precious metal processor has always denied this.

Value Trading, formerly known as Tony Goetz, has been active in Jacob Jacobsstraat since 2002 and processes mine gold, old gold and old silver. The company has faced strong opposition for some time due to its presence in the middle of residential areas.

READ ALSO. Local residents demand immediate closure of Value Trading company after analysis of soil samples: “We are sounding the alarm”

Numerous objections were submitted by local residents against an extension of the environmental permit for the company (1,900, 2,500 and 1,023 respectively during three public inquiries).

In September of this year, the real estate company behind Value Trading, European Guarantee Agency International NV, also started a lawsuit against the minister. According to the company, the refusal of the environmental permit would be unreasonable, incorrect and disproportionate. The precious metal processor still hopes for compensation from Flanders.