CONCESSION TRANSFER ON SATURDAY ENSURES OVER TWO DECADES OF OPERATIONS

UGLJEVIK, JANUARY 29 /SRNA/ – The Director of "Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske" Luka Petrović announced that the concession transfer agreement to the company Mine and Thermal Power Plant /RiTE/ "Ugljevik" will be signed on Saturday, January 31, in Ugljevik, noting that the concession field "East Two" will ensure the operation of the thermal power plant for more than the next 20 years.

Following today’s decision by the Government of Republika Srpska to transfer the concession, Petrović visited the Mine and Thermal Power Plant "Ugljevik" this evening and discussed upcoming activities with the company’s management. Director Žarko Novaković briefed him on the dynamic plan for bringing the mining field "East Two" into operation.

"The management has a clear plan on how to access coal at `East Two` while simultaneously addressing the accumulated problems within the company," Petrović said.

He announced that a meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 4, with residents of the area who have expressed dissatisfaction with living conditions near the exploitation field.

"We need to reassure them that all measures have been taken to urgently proceed with land expropriation at the `East Two` site and to ensure that residents receive appropriate infrastructure, " Petrović emphasized.

Mine and Thermal Power Plant "Ugljevik" Director Žarko Novaković thanked Petrović for the swift response and visit aimed at reviewing the company’s dynamic plans following the granting of concession rights at the "East Two" open-pit mine.

"This is a small step, but in essence a major one, for the development and advancement of mining operations, with the goal of securing sufficient coal quantities for the stable operation of the `Ugljevik` thermal power plant, the stability of the energy system of Republika Srpska, and, consequently, the well-being of the citizens of Ugljevik," Novaković assessed.