The Ministry of Energy and Mining has initiated a concession tender for the Možura–Orlovo technical-construction stone deposit located in the Bar municipality. Bids must be submitted by 16 July 2026. The site is estimated to contain around 1 million cubic meters of reserves, with a concession period extending up to 30 years. The minimum production requirement is set at 20,000 cubic meters of hard rock annually, which translates to approximately 30,000 cubic meters of processed aggregate.
The projected production value for this concession is estimated at €15.05 million, averaging €519,000 per year. Additionally, the minimum total concession fee stands at approximately €1.05 million, or about €36,330 annually. Demand for the aggregate is anticipated to arise from residential developments, tourism facilities, and infrastructure projects along the Bar–Ulcinj corridor.
This tender reflects an ongoing construction cycle in Montenegro that is increasing local demand for aggregate and diminishing the need for transporting materials over long distances. However, the concurrent dispute regarding the proposed Skrbuša quarry in Kolašin illustrates that geological reserves do not inherently guarantee successful production ventures.
The Kolašin municipality has requested a suspension of the Skrbuša tender, which pertains to estimated reserves of around 2 million cubic meters and a potential 30-year concession. The Ministry contends that the material is crucial for upcoming motorway sections and other significant projects. In contrast, municipal officials and residents have raised concerns related to environmental impact, planning issues, and local development challenges.
This situation underscores a growing risk: a disconnect between national infrastructure needs and local community consent. Investors in quarry operations will need more than just an extraction license; they will also require comprehensive plans addressing access roads, noise and dust management, water resources, rehabilitation security, community engagement, and alignment with tourism and conservation objectives to ensure investment feasibility.
