The Pljevlja coal mine has issued a tender: Ćehotina is being returned to its former bed

The coal mine in Pljevlja has announced a tender for the development of the Main Project for the relocation of the Ćehotina River in the approximate direction of its former course through the Potrlica open pit mine.

After returning the Ćehotina to its former course, the dam in Durutovići will be part of the future small hydropower plant.

In order to relocate the Ćehotina, Rudnik had to build a dam in Durutovići, in order to divert the river from its former course, build two tunnels as well as two concrete channels through which the Ćehotina currently flows. After returning the Ćehotina to its former course, the dam in Durutovići will be part of the future small hydropower plant.

Ten years ago, the mine moved Ćehotina to the edge of the surface mine due to the progress of mining operations, and the complete investment cost several million euros.

The tender documents did not specify how much it will cost the company to restore the river to its bed.

In order to relocate the Ćehotina, Rudnik had to build a dam in Durutovići, in order to divert the river from its former course, build two tunnels as well as two concrete channels through which the Ćehotina currently flows.

According to the current dynamics of the works, the coal mine will return the Ćehotina river to its old bed in the second half of 2024, on the part that passes through the Potrlica mine.

The strategy for the further development of coal exploitation in the Pljeval basin from the open pit Potrlica - Kalušići envisages the relocation of the Ćehotina river bed over the floors of the internal landfill.

"After the formation of the internal landfill at the Potrlica surface mine at an altitude of 760 meters above sea level, it is planned to return the Ćehotina river through the mine's exploitation field. The watertight channel that would direct the Ćehotina River is planned to be built through the disposal area with a total length of approximately 2,9 kilometers, from the position of the Durutovići dam to the bridge at the waterfall of the exit portal of the Velika Pliješ tunnel, near the settling tank, at the exit from the exploitation field of the Mine. it is stated in the tender documentation.

The first part of the route of the permanent channel from the Durutovići Dam will be designed and built in natural limestone.

"In order to ensure favorable conditions for the control and maintenance of the relocated river bed, it is necessary to provide service roads along the river banks and ramps for the descent and operation of machinery in the river bed. "Also, in accordance with the need to maintain the facilities of the relocated watercourse and activities in the coastal areas along the river banks, provide for bridge crossings over the relocated river bed," the tender documentation states. Returning the Ćehotina river to its approximately natural course ends the current role of the Durutovići dam and creates the conditions for it to be used for electricity production in the future. "One of the basic requirements for defining the conceptual solution is the requirement for the future construction and operation of the planned mini hydropower plant (MHP). For these reasons, the new bed of the Ćehotina river needs to be designed and dimensioned in such a way as to ensure the accommodation of MHE facilities," the tender documentation states.