A new timeline set for the opening of Serbia’s next coal mine

Coal remains an important part of Serbia’s energy mix. This is further underscored by the country’s plans to develop a new coal mine in Radljevo, part of the Kolubara mining basin. Originally scheduled to begin operations in 2022, the mine is now expected to start production in 2026.

Currently, two overburden removal systems are under construction, with a total investment of 180 million euros. Two bucket-wheel excavators, overburden spreaders, and conveyor systems are being assembled at the nearby Tamnava mining site. The development of new mining equipment, the modernisation of existing machinery and the creation of new production capacities are key components of the Serbian state-owned power utility EPS’s investment projects. Since the beginning of the year, the company has invested 3.8 billion dinars (about 32.4 million euros) of its funds into the mining sector.

The systems are expected to be operational within a year, enabling the start of coal extraction.

“Their commissioning within a year will allow for additional annual production at the open-pit mine of 16 to 19 million cubic metres, creating all the necessary conditions for the exploitation of the first quantities of coal from this mine next year. All activities are focused on securing the technological and infrastructural prerequisites for uninterrupted coal extraction from surface mines, which will ensure a stable electricity supply in the long term, and thus greater energy security for Serbia,” said Đedović Handanović, Serbian Ministry of Energy.