The coal mine in Pljevlja has unexpectedly paid €2.37 million to the Municipality of Pljevlja, settling the total debt as per a Court of Appeal ruling from March. The debt, stemming from a 2004 contract on compensation for the development of construction land, was paid without prior notice, contrary to ongoing negotiations for an installment plan. The coal company expressed surprise and concern, stating that this abrupt decision will impact planned investments and operational stability during a challenging period.
Despite previous public assurances from both Municipality President Dario Vraneš and Rudnik Uglja Pljevlja (RUP)Board President Milan Lekić about negotiating a feasible payment plan, the company received no advance warning of the decision. The local government emphasized that the company initiated the payment voluntarily, while legal opinions held that the proposed installment model was unlawful without assembly consent.
The repayment coincides with the completion of a two-month overhaul at the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant (TPP), which relies heavily on coal from RUP. Further operational difficulties are anticipated in 2025 when the TPP undergoes an eight-month ecological overhaul. Lekić highlighted that the TPP’s downtime would severely affect RUP’s primary income source, stressing the need for municipal support during this period.
The court’s judgment mandated RUP to pay within eight days of receiving the ruling, including default interest. The debt covers various infrastructure projects, including a wastewater treatment plant in Židovici and water treatment facilities in Pliješa. Vraneš assured that the municipality’s intent was to facilitate debt repayment lawfully, rejecting any model contrary to legal provisions.
