During a working visit to Pljevlja, Montenegro’s Minister of Energy and Mining, Admir Šahmanović, inspected the Pljevlja Coal Mine (RUP) and received updates on the high-priority project to relocate the Ćehotina River. The works are progressing according to schedule and are expected to be completed on time, ensuring a stable coal supply for the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant and overall energy security for Montenegro.
RUP’s Executive Director, Nemanja Laković, reported that over 60% of the river relocation project is complete, including 70% of reinforced concrete and retaining wall works, and more than half of protective lining installation. In-house execution of major earthworks saved the company nearly €4 million, with an additional €2.7 million saved in the first half of 2025 compared to last year.
Production is on track to achieve a record 8 million m³ of overburden removal this year, with 72% of the annual plan already completed. Mining continues under challenging conditions in the Potrlica site until the river is fully relocated, with 2.27 million m³ remaining to be removed by year-end.
Minister Šahmanović emphasized that the river relocation is crucial for continued mining operations and long-term electricity supply stability, highlighting good coordination between RUP and other energy sector stakeholders as a key to Montenegro’s energy resilience.
