EPBiH: Zenica Mine must act, support cannot replace production

(Patria) - Elektroprivreda BiH has been the bearer of financial and operational support for RMU "Zenica" for years, EP BiH announced.

The mine's total debt to Elektroprivreda BiH amounts to more than 130 million KM. Elektroprivreda BiH and the Government of the Federation of BiH are expected to secure 1.2 million KM monthly for the salaries of 512 employees at RMU "Zenica".

Thanks to the continuous engagement of the Government of the Federation of BiH and Elektroprivreda BiH, the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry provided 13.5 million KM for RMU Zenica in 2024 and 2025 for salaries, payment of PIO/MIO contributions for 22 workers, and procurement of raw materials.

In 2024, funds were secured for the payment of nine salaries, and in 2025 for the first six months. The General Director of Elektroprivreda BiH, Sanel Buljubašić, states: "Elektroprivreda BiH has fulfilled all its obligations towards RMU Zenica, financially, technically and operationally. On September 25, 2025, a meeting was held with representatives of the union and the mine management, where those present were informed of all activities that have been and are being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry, Elektroprivreda BiH and RMU Zenica, regarding the provision of salaries for workers for July 2025. The implementation of these activities is expected in the middle of next week."

The following conclusions were also defined at the meeting:

1. The Brown Coal Mine Zenica is obliged to pay the salaries of the workers of RMU "Zenica" d.o.o. – Zenica for July 2025 no later than October 3, 2025;
2. Representatives of the Union are called upon to show understanding and, together with the workers, start working, which will create conditions for securing funds for the payment of salaries for August 2025, and the continuation of salary payments for the following period.
3. RMU "Zenica" d.o.o. – Zenica is tasked with urgently preparing a realistic schedule for the extraction of wide-steel equipment and submitting it to the Governing Company;
4. RMU "Zenica" d.o.o. – Zenica is tasked with continuing activities to secure additional funds through the sale of equipment/property/etc.

We expect work to continue on the extraction of wide-steel equipment, in order to enable other mines that regularly fulfill their obligations to produce additional quantities of coal and contribute to the stability of the system. Support must be accompanied by responsibility.

We owe this to all mines within the EPBiH Concern, as well as to the citizens of the Federation of BiH.