Public discussion on the concession for the "Lješnica - Bioča" deposit

The Ministry of Energy and Mining has put up for public debate the Draft Concession Act for detailed geological research and exploitation of technical and construction stone at the "Lješnica - Bioča" deposit in Bijelo Polje.

According to data from the concession act, more than 2,3 million cubic meters of technical and construction stone have been confirmed at the "Lješnica - Bioča" deposit, while after the expansion of the concession area, potential reserves are estimated at around four million cubic meters.

"The concession is granted for a maximum period of 30 years, of which six months for detailed geological research, six months for the preparation of mining documentation, obtaining approvals, consents and permits for the execution of works, preparing the site for exploitation, installing plants and equipment necessary for exploitation, as well as obtaining a usage permit for constructed facilities, and twenty-nine years for the exploitation of mineral raw materials," the documentation states.

The proposed concession field covers an area of ​​245.541 square meters, or about 24,5 hectares, in the cadastral municipalities of Poda and Lozna. The deposit is located in the gorge of the Lješnica River, about 20 kilometers northwest of Bijelo Polje and 15 kilometers southeast of Berane, on the slopes of the Mala Rudina hill.

The document states that the development of the concession act is envisaged by the amendment to the Concession Granting Plan for 2025 and the Concession Granting Plan for 2026, which were adopted by the Government of Montenegro. After the public debate and consideration of any objections, the concession act with the report will be sent to the Government for adoption, followed by a public announcement for the selection of the concessionaire.

The “Lješnica - Bioča” deposit was previously exploited, based on a concession agreement concluded in 2009. The latest geological research has confirmed the presence of high-quality carbonate rocks, namely limestone, suitable for the production of aggregates used in the construction of roads, asphalt and concrete structures.

The public discussion lasts until June 24th.

According to data from the concession act, more than 2,3 million cubic meters of technical and construction stone have been confirmed at the "Lješnica - Bioča" deposit, while after the expansion of the concession area, potential reserves are estimated at around four million cubic meters.