Mining

After hydropower potentials, coal is the second most important source of energy in Montenegro. The Pljevlja area includes 3 basins: Pljevlja basin, Ljuće-Šumanski basin and Maoče basin. The total balance reserves in the Pljevlja area are about 188,4 million tons. The Berane area (basins: Polica, Petnjik and Zagorje) is insufficiently explored. Geological reserves of brown coal amount to about 158 million tons, but exploitation reserves are estimated at a maximum of 17,8 million tons.

Lead and zinc ores are located in the area of Pljevlja and Mojkovac at the Šuplja stijena and Brskovo exploitation fields. They include four deposits each with a proven reserve of over 34 million tons.

Red and white bauxite are located at 152 and 98 sites respectively. Proven reserves of red and white bauxite amount to over 40 million tons, and according to forecasts, 1% of the total world reserves are located in Montenegro.

Marl is located on the surface layer during coal mining, while reserves in the area of Pljevlja amount to 90 million tons. In their vicinity, there are sites with limestone, as well as a by-product of the thermal power plant – fly ash, which, along with marl, represents the basic raw material for the cement production.