EPS Moves Heavy Mining Equipment Across Kolubara River Bed to Continue Coal Production

Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) has successfully executed a complex and large-scale operation, moving heavy mining machinery across the Kolubara River bed to ensure the continuity of coal production. This significant undertaking, completed in just 48 hours, demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of our mining operations in the Kolubara Basin.

The relocation involved two excavators, a conveyor belt system, and six power stations. While moving excavators across rivers is not unprecedented in the long history of our open-pit mines, the sheer scale and speed of this particular operation set it apart. The BTO (excavator-transporter-spreader) system on the second unit required seven days of work, while the coal system was prepared in three days of intensive effort.

Ivan Jovanović, head of the mine, explained that while the 'G' Field will continue to operate, significant changes in production processes are necessary to maximize the extraction of every coal seam. The machinery has already been assigned new tasks: "Glodar 2" is heading towards the eastern boundary between the West and old East fields, while "Glodar 4" is moving to the Skobalj location to commence production.

This operation is vital for maintaining a stable supply of coal, a critical resource for Serbia's energy security. The successful execution underscores the expertise of the specialists at the "Kolubara" Mining Basin and their commitment to overcoming logistical challenges to meet national energy demands. The efficiency and speed of this move highlight our ongoing efforts to modernize and optimize our production capabilities.

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The relocation of large machines does not mean that the 'G' Field is ceasing operations, but there will be key changes in the production process, with the aim of maximizing the use of every layer of the deposit.