Pljevlja Coalmine is set to lose 48 million euros in revenue this year due to the ongoing eight-month reconstruction of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant (TPP), according to CEO Nemanja Laković. Laković stated that 2023 would not be a year of financial gains but rather one focused on survival. During this period, the company plans to complete delayed projects, including the reconstruction of TPP Pljevlja and the redirection of the Cehotina river. He noted that the financial results this year would not be positive, as many costs have accumulated due to long-term neglect in previous years.
Looking ahead to 2024, Laković projected that the coalmine should generate a profit of around 15 million euros, similar to the performance in 2023, despite the extended overhaul of TPP Pljevlja. He also highlighted that the shareholders’ assembly had decided to distribute dividends for the years 2021 and 2022. However, Laković cautioned that any dividend payout this year could jeopardize the coalmine’s financial stability.
In regard to the Cehotina river redirection project, Laković stressed its national significance. He emphasized that the stable operation of both the coalmine and TPP Pljevlja is crucial for ensuring Montenegro’s energy stability.