During the May Day holidays, the Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, announced that the construction of two BTO (Excavator – Transporter – Dumper) systems for overburden excavation at the “Radljevo” surface mine, part of the “Kolubara” Mining Basin, is a key priority for the Government of Serbia. The exploitation of coal from this mine is expected to begin next year. According to Đedović Handanović, the total investment in the two BTO systems amounts to 180 million euros, and their commissioning is expected to significantly boost annual production by an additional 16 to 19 million cubic meters of coal.
The Minister emphasized that the project is focused on ensuring the technological and infrastructural prerequisites for uninterrupted coal exploitation from surface mines, which is essential for guaranteeing long-term, reliable electricity production and enhancing Serbia’s energy security.
Dušan Živković, General Director of “Elektroprivreda Srbije” (EPS), highlighted the importance of investments from the company’s own funds for the modernization of mining equipment. He pointed out that since the beginning of this year, EPS has invested 3.8 billion dinars of its own funds. Intensive work is currently underway at the Tamnav mines, where two rotary excavators, two dumpers, and two conveyor belt systems are being assembled for the “Radljevo” mine. These efforts are being carried out by consortiums of contractors and employees of Kolubara-Metal.
Živković added that the goal is to complete the installation of all equipment by the end of this year, with both BTO systems slated to begin operations in 2026.
