The thermal power plant and coalmine complex RiTE Ugljevik has received approval to begin operations in the Ugljevik East 2 concession area, along with authorization for a higher electricity selling price. The decision follows a series of high-level meetings between representatives of the Government of the Republic of Srpska, state-owned power utility ERS, and Gas Res.
The meetings were convened after workers at RiTE Ugljevik went on strike due to coal shortages and uncertainty regarding future coal field concessions. Government officials and company representatives met for several hours to address the workers’ key demands, the most important being the formal transfer of the Ugljevik East 2 concession from Comsar to Gas Res and assurances that no third-party companies would be engaged in coal extraction.
Prime Minister Savo Minić announced that the draft agreement for transferring Comsar’s concession has been completed, confirming that RiTE Ugljevik can immediately start mining operations in the new area. Acting Director Diko Cvijetinović explained that the company’s recent difficulties were the result of years of underinvestment, which caused a shortage of coal for regular operation. He clarified that previous statements about involving external contractors were misunderstood and that such measures would only be considered if RiTE’s own equipment proved insufficient. With the concession issue now resolved, he expects the workforce to resume production promptly.
ERS General Director Luka Petrović stated that the company could not sustain operations at the previous selling price of 65 euros per megawatt-hour and that an increase to 75 euros was essential. The additional 10 euros per megawatt-hour—amounting to roughly 9 million euros annually—will stabilize the plant’s finances and ensure its long-term operation. He noted that current electricity generation stands at around 1,250 GWh, down from 1,700 GWh in previous years, forcing ERS to import electricity at nearly twice the domestic price. The acquisition of Ugljevik East 2, he added, will secure coal supplies for the next 25 years and bring stability to both the plant and the surrounding community.
Energy and Mining Minister Petar Đokić emphasized that the Ugljevik East 2 deposit contains approximately 73 million tons of coal—sufficient to sustain the power plant for the remainder of its operational life. He also confirmed that RiTE Ugljevik’s existing mining equipment will be adequate for the new operations and that the Government will provide support through the electricity price adjustment and co-financing of international environmental obligations, especially those related to flue gas desulfurization.
With these agreements finalized, the strike at RiTE Ugljevik is expected to conclude, allowing production to resume and restoring one of the key energy facilities in the Republic of Srpska to full operational capacity.
