Pljevlja, (MINA-BUSINESS) – The Pljevlja Coalmine is facing serious challenges in the area of coal extraction and delivery to the Thermal Power Plant (TPP) Pljevlja, caused by heavy rainfall that has affected the municipality.

“Due to a significant rise in the water level of the River Vezisnica, which overflowed its banks at several locations, many infrastructure facilities have been jeopardized, as well as the operation of the ‘Maljevac’ crushing plant, thereby putting at risk the dynamics, quality, and delivery of coal to the TPP,” the Coalmine stated in a press release.

As explained, the situation is further complicated by the fact that torrents destroyed and damaged access roads, which has slowed transport links.

“The waterlogged terrain and flood wave have led to the suspension of overburden removal works, while the risk of landslides has increased due to complex geotechnical conditions at the open pit, requiring additional drainage measures and slope stabilization,” the press release reads.

There is also a large inflow of water at the open pit, with pumps operating at maximum capacity.

The Coalmine recalled that operations at the “Potrlica” open pit had already been significantly disrupted due to landslides that occurred in October last year, which caused a months-long halt in overburden removal works, and that the current adverse weather conditions have stopped of the planned production.