JP PEU Resavica, operator of the Štavalj brown coal mine near Sjenica, has submitted a request to the Ministry of Environmental Protection for approval of an environmental impact assessment study related to the expansion of coal mining in the eastern and western fields of the deposit.
The Štavalj mine, located about 12 km from Sjenica on the Pešter Plateau, has been in operation since 1936, with the current pit opened in 1976. The existing Centralni polje area is nearing the end of its exploitation. The expansion plan involves activating two new mining areas—East and West fields—based on certified coal reserves, with an expected total production capacity of one million tons per year. This will require modern underground mining techniques and advanced mechanization.
The East field covers approximately 32% of the deposit and consists of 33 exploitation blocks. It features a stable coal seam averaging 12 meters thick, with challenges including proximity to populated areas and the need for further geological studies.
The West field represents 62% of the deposit, divided into 21 blocks with complex geological conditions grouped into three categories. Mining here will use wide-faced and column-chamber excavation methods, with pit access from three sides—partially from the current pit and partially via surface drilling.
The environmental impact study thoroughly evaluates potential effects of the project and proposes protective measures and monitoring protocols in line with environmental legislation. The study was prepared by Ugaljprojekt Beograd. The expansion aims to extend the mine’s operational life and support the local economy, which depends heavily on RMU Štavalj’s activities.
