Serbian state-owned power utility EPS has selected a consortium of three local companies to conduct detailed geological studies at the Tamnava West Field open-pit coal mine within the Kolubara lignite basin. The contract, valued at approximately 690,000 euros, was awarded in early February.
The consortium’s work will focus on comprehensive investigations to improve understanding of the coal deposit’s geological structure. According to the tender documentation, the research will refine the interpretation of the deposit’s composition and determine coal quality characteristics more precisely. The results will provide a foundation for future mining plans, supporting coal homogenization and the preparation of detailed geological and mining project documentation.
Field activities will include exploratory drilling, sample collection for laboratory analysis, geomechanical testing, and examination of associated non-metallic mineral materials. Work is scheduled around seasonal constraints, with drilling operations expected between April and mid-November to ensure suitable samples for testing. Once formally introduced, the consortium will have up to 120 working days to complete the assignment.
In parallel, the Serbian Government has taken steps to support the expansion of mining operations in the area. Authorities have declared public interest for the expropriation and administrative transfer of land needed for further development of the Kolubara mining complex. The decision covers land and buildings in the cadastral area of Jabučje, municipality of Lajkovac, with ownership of the expropriated property to be transferred to the Republic of Serbia for use by EPS.
