RMU "Zenica" developed a development plan for the "Raspotočje" mine for the next 10 years

The Government of FBiH was today informed about the Information of the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry on the situation in RMU “Zenica” d.o.o. Zenica after the mining accident that occurred due to a rock burst in the “Raspotočje” mine on September 4th this year, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

The Government concluded that the competent bodies of JP EPBiH d.d. Sarajevo, in accordance with their prescribed obligations and responsibilities, are obliged to urgently review the proposed Plan for the rehabilitation and continuation of mining works on opening new extraction capacity “Raspotočje” and to make appropriate decisions.

We remind that 34 miners were trapped in the rock burst, of which 29 were rescued, and five tragically died. The funeral was announced for September 8, 2014.

- Until 10.9.2014, only the most necessary, mandatory work required by valid mining regulations, such as ventilation, drainage, and constant technical and inspection supervision, was carried out in the mine, all in order to preserve vital mining facilities so that, after the decision of the Rescue Headquarters, the mine rehabilitation could begin - it is stated.

In accordance with valid regulations, the rescue operation was led by the Rescue Headquarters of RMU “Zenica”, and federal mining inspectors joined the operation immediately after arriving at the scene. In addition to the rescue teams of RMU “Zenica”, rescue teams from all coal mines in the Federation of BiH participated in the rescue operation. The procedure for determining the causes and circumstances of this serious mining accident was carried out by competent federal mining inspectors, for which a detailed report and findings were prepared, which will be submitted to the competent authorities for review.

In addition to human casualties, this mining accident also caused significant material damage, the loss of the only extraction capacity, and a break in the continuity of coal production, which, according to current estimates, will last for a year.

RMU “Zenica” employs a total of 1,477 people, and the “Raspotočje” mine employs 440 workers. Due to the accident in the “Raspotočje” mine, coal exploitation has been completely halted, and production in the two remaining facilities (“Stranjani” and “Stara jama”) is not sufficient to finance the remediation of the incurred damage, the opening of new extraction capacity, the maintenance of mining facilities, equipment and plants, salaries and other employee claims, while simultaneously investing in safety and occupational health - it is stated in the Information.

The competent services of RMU “Zenica” have, in accordance with valid regulations, prepared plans for the mine's rehabilitation and the continuation of work on opening new extraction capacity, updated the existing development plan for the “Raspotočje” mine for the next ten years, which will be submitted to JP EPBiH d.d. Sarajevo for approval as a matter of urgency - it is stated in the Information.