The Serbian state-owned power utility EPS has announced a significant tender aimed at developing a comprehensive long-term coal extraction strategy, with operational frameworks set to extend until 2035 and projections reaching mid-century. This initiative, valued at approximately €650,000, encompasses two primary coal basins: Kolubara and Kostolac, with the goal of creating an integrated development plan for all EPS mining operations.
In the Kolubara basin, the focus will be on substantial capacity enhancements. The installation of two new conveyor-based transport systems for coal and overburden at Field E is underway. Once these systems become operational by the end of 2026, annual production is anticipated to increase significantly, reaching between 10 and 12 million tons. Meanwhile, mining activities at Field G are expected to conclude in 2026, after which equipment will be redirected to other active sites such as Tamnava–Zapadno polje and the rapidly developing Radljevo mine.
Radljevo is poised to become a pivotal growth center with coal extraction projected to commence in 2025. The introduction of additional bucket-wheel excavator systems in late 2026 is expected to facilitate a gradual production increase, potentially achieving around 7 million tons annually within three to four years. The overarching strategy will also address operational efficiencies and environmental management practices, focusing on coal blending and quality enhancement alongside improved handling of ash, slag, and gypsum from thermal power generation.
In the Kostolac basin, operations are ongoing at the Drmno open pit while mining activities at Klenovnik and Cirikovac have ceased. Attention is now directed towards the future West Kostolac mine, which is currently in its preparatory phase involving spatial planning, feasibility studies, and the main mining design. This program aims to outline further development strategies for Drmno, evaluate overburden disposal capacities, improve waste management techniques, and initiate new geological exploration campaigns aimed at refining coal reserve classifications.
The tender remains open until February 5th and follows recent governmental decisions that declare public interest for land expropriation in the Burovo cadastral area. This decision facilitates the expansion of Kolubara’s eastern mining zone and complements earlier EPS procurement efforts related to exploratory drilling in that region.
