The relocation of the Ćehotina River due to the expansion of the Potrlica Coal Mine in Pljevlja is being carried out according to the planned schedule.

The works on the relocation of the Ćehotina River due to the expansion of the Potrlica Coal Mine in Pljevlja are being carried out according to the planned schedule, said the Coal Mine's Executive Director, Nemanja Laković, at a meeting with Ivan Bulativić, Executive Director of the Electric Power Company of Montenegro, which is a 100% owner of the largest Pljevlja-based company.

At the meeting, as announced by the Coal Mine, information was exchanged on the works on the relocation of the Ćehotina riverbed and the ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja TPP, the most important projects on which the stability of the Montenegrin power system depends.

Laković presented the phases of the project implementation and emphasized that the works are being carried out according to the given schedule. He added that the problem with permits was resolved within a year, a significant part of the works was carried out and the tender procedures were completed.

"So far, we have managed to excavate 95 percent of the riverbed with our machinery, or have carried out work worth almost four million euros. We are completing the drilling and mining works at the Durutovići dam, and around 150.000 cubic meters of limestone material have been excavated. This has ensured that the contractor can take on his part of the work without obstacles," explained Laković.

The meeting also highlighted the possibility of further harmonizing activities in order to shorten deadlines, wherever possible, without compromising on the quality and standards of the work performed.

Bulatović emphasized the importance of the aforementioned projects for the development of northern Montenegro and the overall energy stability of the country.

"We are satisfied with the pace of the works, but our ambition is to complete them earlier than planned, wherever there is a realistic basis for it, without jeopardizing the quality of the works. This is a strategically important moment for the energy and environmental future of this region, and that is precisely why we are present on the ground - to give additional impetus to all participants in the process," said Bulatović.

The statement added that future cooperation was also discussed, including the engagement of the Mine's mechanization in the transport of ash and slag after the completion of the ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant.