On the occasion of Miners' Day, celebrated on 6 August, Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović and Dušan Živković, General Manager of Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), extended their congratulations to all employees in the mining sector and thanked them for their contribution to the security of Serbia's power system.
During a meeting with employees of the Kolubara Mining Basin, Đedović Handanović emphasised that, at a time when the region is facing yet another energy crisis, EPS miners have once again demonstrated that they are a key pillar of energy stability, while investments in new mining equipment are further strengthening the reliability of the power system.
“Approximately 10,000 people are employed at Kolubara, carrying out an extremely important and responsible job. The policy pursued by President Aleksandar Vučić and this Government not to close mines, open-pit mines and thermal power plants has proved to be the right one. Today, we are once again witnessing a regional energy crisis, and every day confirms just how important it is to rely on our own capacities. That is precisely why the largest mining equipment installation project in the history of the basin is nearing completion here at Kolubara. It is expected to secure the necessary coal volumes for years to come. One spreader is already operating at the newest mine, Radljevo. By the end of August, it will be joined by the excavator we visited today, which is currently on its way to the site. The Radljevo mine will produce between 250,000 and 300,000 tonnes of coal per month, or around seven million tonnes annually. These are significant quantities for our energy sector and electricity generation," said Đedović Handanović.
The Minister stressed that coal production within EPS, particularly at Kolubara, remains stable and noted that over the past three months output has exceeded both planned levels and last year's figures. She emphasised that approximately 100,000 tonnes of coal are currently being produced each day at Kolubara and Kostolac and that this trend must continue through to the end of the year in order to make up for the shortfall recorded at the beginning of the year as a result of unfavourable weather conditions. Đedović Handanović also pointed out that EPS has invested a record EUR 450 million of its own funds in new mining machinery over the last four to five years.
“Such sustained investment has never been seen before. Four new excavator systems have been procured, while the previous excavator commissioned before this one entered service at Kolubara ten years ago. These investments will provide additional motivation for everyone employed in mining operations because they can see that the state continues to invest and that there is a future for the sector. We will also continue recruiting new staff, particularly young engineers and technical professionals. This is good news, first and foremost for miners, for everyone who works here and for all those who live in this region. The state will continue to improve working conditions, and it is important to note that salaries in EPS and the mining sector have increased continuously over the past four years, with the most recent increase amounting to 10 per cent," the Minister said.
Dušan Živković, General Manager of EPS, stressed that mining is important every day of the year, not only on 6 August.
“Today, just as on every one of the 365 days of the year, EPS miners are working diligently and with dedication in all weather conditions to ensure sufficient electricity supplies for Serbia's citizens and businesses. On their special day, standing here beside this new equipment, I would like to send a message to all employees in the EPS mining sector that they need not worry about the future of their profession. Our investments in new equipment and new systems clearly demonstrate that. The installation of all new excavators and spreaders is in its final phase, and some of them will already contribute to production this year," said Živković.
He also stressed that efforts to improve both equipment and working conditions will continue in the years ahead, as required by the legacy of the generations that built this system.
“Only through the experience and expertise we possess, combined with investment and the utmost commitment from everyone involved, can we improve production and, in turn, the position of each and every one of us. The times in which we live are highly challenging and require courageous and wise decisions, teamwork and responsibility towards the society and the state, which expect EPS to remain a pillar of energy security. That has been, is, and will continue to be our goal," concluded Živković.
