The coal mine has successfully ensured the required coal supplies for the seamless operation of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant (TPP), which is reconnecting to the grid following several months of environmental reconstruction. The largest company in Pljevlja has committed to delivering coal, even in the event that the reconstruction is completed earlier than planned.

In response to “Vijesti,” Rudnik uglja was asked if they could meet the November 15 deadline for the TPP’s restart, or if it would be contingent on the ongoing work for relocating the Ćehotina river.

The only thermal power plant in Montenegro ceased operations on March 31 and is expected to remain offline until November 15.

The TEP is the primary coal buyer, with Rudnik accounting for ninety percent of its total supply.

The mine highlights that the stability of Montenegro’s power system hinges on the concurrent execution of two critical projects: the ecological overhaul of the TPP and the relocation of the Ćehotina river.

They assure that the works to reposition the Ćehotina riverbed, vital for further coal extraction, are progressing as scheduled.

“Following the completion of the tender process and contract signing, the contractor for the Ćehotina riverbed relocation officially commenced work on April 25, 2025. Currently, 17 percent of the overall project work has been finished, with the contractor, a seasoned consortium in watercourse management, beginning the construction phase for flow regulation,” stated Rudnik.

The tender commission selected the Consortium HSV Company for Hydroconstruction and Civil Engineering, along with High-rise Construction Ltd. Vlasotince, Opticus ing Ltd. Belgrade – Rakovica, and Kolubara Ltd. Mionica for this project.

At the end of last year, RUP issued an international tender for part of the project valued at 16.2 million euros, excluding VAT, receiving applications from two regional consortiums.

This relocation project is divided into three phases.

The initial phase from the dam in Durutovići to the future Small Hydroelectric Power Plant has seen the completion of preparatory works and the initiation of reinforced concrete work.

“In this section, 300 cubic meters of concrete have been installed. In the second phase, preparations are underway for installing a geomembrane and geofoil across the 400-meter riverbed route. The riverbed will be reinforced with concrete formworks, followed by geocomposites, geomembranes, rock fill, and ultimately the geofoil. The third phase involves construction work carried out by the Pljevlja Coal Mine, with about 60 percent of the reinforced concrete and retaining wall work finished,” the Mine reported.

Before the tender, they completed part of the Ćehotina relocation project, costing four million euros.

“Prior to and during the tender processes, the Coal Mine utilized its machinery for excavating a new riverbed, 2,300 meters long and ranging from 5 to 5.5 meters deep, removing excess mass from both banks to provide a stable foundation for further construction. Additionally, drilling and mining were completed on schedule, ensuring that the contractor can proceed without hindrance. This effort saved the company almost four million euros, showcasing a high level of expertise and accountability,” remarked the Mine.

The Pljevlja-based company noted that the project deadline has been reduced from 18 months to 7 months, although they occasionally encounter some challenges.

“Due to the shortened timeframe for executing works, we sometimes face minor issues with the technical documentation, which we are addressing in real-time during ongoing consultations with the supervisory authority. This expedited timeline presents particular challenges, but we are effectively managing them,” they stated.

When queried about the timeline for the Ćehotina to flow through its new bed, the Mine confirmed that “the project is advancing according to the planned schedule.”

“We are currently coordinating additional activities to expedite work completion wherever feasible, while maintaining quality and standards. The project to relocate the Ćehotina riverbed aligns with the ecological renovation initiative of the Pljevlja thermal power plant,” concluded the Coal Mine.

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