Montenegro’s concession granting plan for 2026 outlines the initiation of detailed geological exploration and potential mining activities for copper ore near Varine and barite in the Kovač region adjacent to Pljevlja. This initiative aims to tap into mineral resources classified as critical by the European Union, marking a pivotal development in the country’s mining sector.
The plan proposes a five-year concession dedicated to the geological exploration of the Varine copper deposit, situated approximately 1,250 meters above sea level near Kosanica. Historical geological surveys have estimated that the Varine site holds around 7.3 million tonnes of copper ore categorized under C1 and C2 reserves, with an average copper concentration of 0.77 percent. Additionally, there are traces of silver at about 9 grams per tonne and gold at roughly 0.3 grams per tonne. Preliminary assessments also suggest a further 24 million tonnes of potential copper ore, indicating substantial resource prospects pending additional exploration efforts.
Although the copper deposit has not been previously developed, officials believe that enhanced exploration could yield a clearer understanding of its resource base and market value. The terms of the concession mandate environmental impact assessments and ongoing monitoring of air, water, and soil quality throughout the exploration phase, with initial operations projected to create around 15 jobs.
Simultaneously, the concession plan encompasses a 30-year concession for geological exploration and possible extraction of barite within the expansive Kovač barite-bearing region, which covers over 230 square kilometers and includes several ore fields such as Potkovača, Plakala, and Plani-Arslanovine. Historically, barite was mined manually in this area during the 1950s, with about 50,000 tonnes exported from 1948 to 1955. Current evaluations estimate nearly 293,000 tonnes of barite reserves in the Potkovača deposit, with barium sulfate (BaSO₄) content varying between 41 percent and over 93 percent based on different ore bodies.
The proposed terms for this concession anticipate the creation of at least 20 jobs, alongside a minimum concession fee set at 4 percent of annual revenues. Of these proceeds, 70 percent would be allocated to the municipal budget of Pljevlja while the remaining 30 percent would go to the state budget. Compliance with national legislation and environmental impact assessments will be essential before any extraction can begin.
The inclusion of copper and barite resources in Montenegro’s upcoming concession plan points to an increasing focus on developing critical minerals for industrial supply chains. However, it also raises considerations regarding environmental protections, local employment opportunities, and the long-term economic implications for the Pljevlja area.
