Slovenia’s government has begun consultations on a draft law to gradually close the Velenje coal mine and liquidate its operator, Premogovnik Velenje, marking a major step toward the country’s coal phase-out by 2033.
The planned legislation is a cornerstone of Slovenia’s energy transition strategy, aligning with EU climate neutrality targets while ensuring a fair transition for affected workers and communities.
Under the proposal, coal extraction and closure operations will run in parallel until 2033, allowing for a phased reduction of the workforce and continued heat supply for Saleska Valley residents. Post-closure, remediation and monitoring activities will continue until 2045.
The bill includes provisions for employee retirement packages, severance pay, social programs, asset divestment, environmental rehabilitation, and long-term oversight of the mine’s shutdown.
The government said the program will receive €1.1 billion ($1.3 billion) from the state budget through 2045 — roughly €50 million annually — supplemented by funds from company operations and asset sales.
Premogovnik Velenje reported a net loss of €816,000 in 2024, narrowing from €5.7 million in 2023, with coal production dropping to 2.17 million tonnes from 2.44 million tonnes the previous year.
The Velenje mine, Slovenia’s only active coal mine, supplies the nearby Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant, a key source of electricity and heating. Its gradual closure represents one of the country’s most significant industrial and environmental transitions to date.
