Floods caused by heavy rainfall in the north of the country slowed down the delivery of coal to the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant and stopped work on the overburden, as well as causing various other problems, the Pljevlja Coal Mine announced.
As stated in the statement, the Pljevlja Coal Mine (RUP) is facing serious challenges in the exploitation zone.
"Due to the significant increase in the water level of the Vezišnica River, which has overflowed its banks in several locations, many infrastructure facilities are at risk, as well as the operation of the 'Maljevac' Crushing Plant, which has called into question the dynamics, quality and delivery of coal for the needs of the 'Pljevlja' Thermal Power Plant. The problem is further complicated by the fact that the torrents have destroyed and damaged access roads, which has slowed down transport communication.
"The flooded terrain and flood wave caused the suspension of work on the overburden, and the risk of landslides has additionally increased, due to the complicated geotechnical conditions in the mine, which requires the need for additional drainage and slope stabilization measures. There is also a large inflow of water into the mine, and pumps are operating at maximum capacity," the RUP statement said.
We would like to remind you that the exploitation in the "Potrlica" mine was already significantly disrupted due to landslides that occurred in October last year, which led to a several-month standstill in the overburden works, and the current weather conditions have stopped the realization of planned production.
"The RUP's expert services, with the operational team, are working on assessing the situation and are making maximum efforts to overcome these challenges in order to ensure the conditions for the safe continuation of work and stable supply of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant with the necessary quantities of coal, with full respect for all safety and technical procedures and preserving the stability of the mining and energy system," the statement concludes.
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