Despite numerous challenges, the Pljevlja Coal Mine has managed to maintain employee safety, production stability, and continue investing in the modernization and development of the mining sector.
Miners' Day and 73 years of operation of the Coal Mine were marked with a ceremonial session attended by representatives of the Government, energy and local communities, local self-government, business associates, miners and representatives of economic and social life.
The company, as announced, has been transformed over decades in accordance with market demands, the social environment, and legal frameworks.
The company's CEO, Nemanja Laković, reminded that on September 24th, they proudly remember all miners.
He congratulated Miners' Day and expressed his gratitude to the employees who ensure energy stability throughout the country every day.
"Even in this challenging year, we are talking about record results, we are implementing all projects in accordance with the defined dynamics. This year, we have simultaneously implemented demanding tasks on the project to relocate the Ćehotina riverbed and ensured the safe and continuous implementation of the core activity - coal overburden and mining," said Laković.
According to him, today it can be confirmed with certainty that almost 70 percent of the work on the project has been completed.
"The planned overburden will be exceeded by ten percent if the works continue at the planned pace. This has ensured sufficient quantities of coal for the uninterrupted operation of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant (TPP), after it is reconnected to the grid," said Laković.
The coal mine managed to achieve positive business results in the first three months, and in the first half of the year, by using accumulated funds, it managed not to burden the owner – Elektroprivreda (EPCG).
Laković pointed out that the investment cycle is being successfully implemented despite the focus on priority and urgent projects and added that the company's strategic goal is to be a reliable support not only for the energy sector but also for the local community.
The Minister of Energy and Mining, Admir Šahmanović, emphasized that this year is particularly challenging for the Coal Mine.
Despite this, with a clear vision, expertise and dedication of people on the ground, it has been shown that even complex undertakings are not insurmountable.
"Thank you to every miner and every employee who invests effort, knowledge and sacrifice every day, because thanks to you, electricity reaches our families and our homes every day. The Ministry of Energy and Mining remains your partner and support," said Šahmanović.
He said that the joint mission is for mining in Montenegro to continue to develop responsibly, modernly and in accordance with the highest standards.
"Our special focus will be the development and future of this sector in the spirit of changes brought about by a just transition," Šahmanović emphasized.
The President of the Board of Directors of EPCG, Milutin Đukanović, congratulated the holiday and expressed special satisfaction that the business policy of the Coal Mine is moving towards opening other business processes that will contribute to improving the company's operations.
"The green transition is a historic opportunity for the development of Montenegro. We have already been declared regional champions of prosumer and we are going to build large renewable sources. I am glad that Rudnik has recognized that it can build large solar power plants," explained Đukanović.
Within the work units, the employer, together with union representatives, after analyzing the results achieved, selected this year's winners of the best employee award.
At the end of the ceremonial session, Šahmanović and Laković exchanged signed concession contracts for the period until 2050, enabling long-term exploitation of significant coal reserves in the Pljevlja municipality, which represents one of the key steps in further valorization of the mining potential of northern Montenegro.
Bonus video:
