Serbia’s Minister of Energy and Mining, Dubravka Djedovic, has highlighted the construction of two bucket-wheel excavator–conveyor–stacker (BTO) systems at the Radljevo open pit mine in the Kolubara mining basin as one of the Serbian Government’s top priorities. These systems are part of ongoing efforts to modernize and expand mining operations, ensuring a stable future for Serbia’s energy sector.
The total investment for these BTO systems amounts to 180 million euros. Once operational in 2026, they are expected to facilitate an annual overburden output of 16 to 19 million cubic meters, providing the foundation for coal extraction to begin at the site next year. This initiative is integral to maintaining steady coal production, which will support stable electricity generation and reinforce Serbia’s long-term energy security.
Djedovic emphasized that alongside the construction of new equipment, overhauling existing machinery and launching replacement production capacities are crucial elements of the state-owned utility EPS’s ongoing investment efforts. According to EPS General Director Dušan Živković, the company is investing heavily in the modernization of mining equipment, with over 32 million euros allocated to the mining sector since the beginning of the year. Intensive work is underway to install the necessary infrastructure at the Radljevo mine, including two bucket-wheel excavators, two stackers, and two conveyor systems. With close coordination required, the goal is to complete all installations by the end of 2025, ensuring the BTO systems will be operational by 2026.