By laying wreaths at the Monument to the Miner in Stari Kostolac, where coal mining began back in 1870, Miners' Day was celebrated in the TPP-OCM Kostolac Branch. In honor of the generations who worked in the former underground and existing open-cast mines, wreaths were laid by Milan Novaković, Special Advisor to the Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Milan Laković, Executive Director for Finance and Aleksandar Jakovljević, Executive Director for Investments, Momčilo Milić, Director for Coal Production and Željko Ilić, Director for Energy Production in the TPP-OCM Kostolac Branch, representatives of the Kostolac employee union, the mayor of Požarevac and representatives of the City Municipality of Kostolac.
Milan Novaković, Special Advisor to the Minister of Mining and Energy, pointed out that miners, due to their knowledge, responsibility and professionalism, are one of the most important pillars of the Serbian economy and energy stability.
- Under conditions of new challenges in the regional energy market, EPS's miners have once again confirmed that they are the pillar of Serbia's energy security. Kostolac thermal power plants are very important for the power system under conditions of increased electricity consumption, low water level of the Danube and reduced production in hydro power plants. It is especially important that the miners of the open-cast mine Drmno, after last year's record production, exceeded the planned quantities of the mined coal this year as well, while coal stocks continue to increase. This is an important guarantee for safe operation of thermal power plants during the coming winter – said Novaković.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Mining and Energy remains committed to improving the legislative framework, safety and working conditions, as well as the long-term development of the mining sector.
The director of the open-cast mine Drmno, Srdjan Milošević, reminded that the Miners' Day is celebrated in memory of a long tradition and continuity of mining in this region.
- Mining as an industry is always a positive indicator of the mining sector development, a holder of capital investments, high technologies, socio-economic standards, and therefore it is one of the state stability foundations, and in our case one of the important factors of a stable EPS energy system - said Milošević.
Saša Pavlović, Mayor of Požarevac, pointed out that Miners' Day is not only a holiday of a profession, but also a day of respect for people who, through their efforts, provide energy and life for the entire Serbia.
- Kostolac has always been the heart of mining in our area. It is a witness of the generations that built the foundations of development with their own hands through the production of coal, heat and electricity. Like the brightest medal, people here emphasize the pride of being part of a large mining family - Pavlović said.
