Although the Government put an end to Brskovo, the new Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas from the Bosniak Party, Admir Šahmanović, says that it would be good to think again about the opening of the mine in Mojkovac and start a public discussion.
In an interview with Vijesti Television, Šahmanović announced the construction of a terminal for liquefied natural gas in Bar, which the Bar government opposes, and he believes that oil and gas exploration in our sea will start again soon.
"The mining sector has been on the back burner for a long time for some reason, but it is perhaps one of the few resources that this country has. In terms of oil and gas, if I told you that there are 1.300 wells in the Adriatic Sea, would you believe that there is not one in Montenegro? I find it hard to believe that we do not have that resource. Let's say in the past, the consortium ENI and Novatek and Energean conducted certain researches, but these researches were reduced to four prospect, out of the 13 that Montenegro has. So the research they conducted indicates the existence of a certain amount of gas. So we would be very happy to continue the research, we are negotiating with eminent companies that would do it," Šahmanović said.
And what would be the potential risks?
"Well, I don't know, let's say the oil spill in the sea. You mentioned Brskovo. The situation there was quite complicated, that process takes a long time. There should be a broad consensus to find some sustainable model in order to eventually use that potential".
So the point was not placed on Brskovo?
"As for the previous story, yes, but I would very much like to open a new dialogue with the local self-government, with the community, with NGO activists to try to find a sustainable model while, of course, respecting the principles and preserving the environment".
You say that you are against everything that has a negative effect on health, and here we have a proven situation that this mine has a negative effect on health. How?
"You see, I would not get into that story. I am not currently considering any ideas regarding Brskov, but I say that it should not be permanently closed if there is a possibility to eventually use that potential".
Minister, you are something that we don't have, but you said that there is potential to develop it. So, currently there are no oil wells in Montenegro, no gas is extracted, is that right? What will this development of something we don't have look like?
"I can't agree with you that we don't have oil and gas. So, our powers are a little wider than research. Our competence is also the market of oil and oil derivatives, for which we also have some plans for the future. As for the LNG terminal, I think it would bring great benefits for this country. I'm not talking about the gas plant, because it's under Mr. Mujović's responsibility. I'm talking about the LNG terminal, it's the abbreviation for liquefied natural gas is liquefied gas that would be stored there, regasification would be carried out, that is, the conversion of that liquefied gas into gas would be carried out and distribution would be carried out Western Balkans".
What would be the location?
"The primary location is planned in Bar, but not in the water area of Luka, where it is planned to be built in accordance with the DUP from 2018, but on the other side of Volujica Hill, far from the settlement. I note that there is no danger because LNG is not produced there.
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