January 10 (SeeNews) - Montenegro's coal mining company Rudnik Uglja's [MNG:RUPV] management has proposed to gradually shut down mining activities and switch to cement production as part of the country's commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, local media reported.
"Rudnik Uglja must diversify its business in a timely manner. A strategic partnership for cement production holds potential for business diversification," the management said in a proposal sent to Montenegro's capital investments ministry, public broadcaster RTCG reported on Friday.
Montenegro joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA) last year and started preparing a national energy and climate plan envisaging the phase-out of coal production by 2035.
The Pljevlja-based company can take advantage of estimated 228 million tonnes of marl, a raw material for the production of cement identified in the Pljevlja coal basin, RTCG reported.
An alternative solution for the mine would be the incorporation of a holding for the output of dairy products and processing of fruits and vegetables in cooperation with local suppliers, the management of Rudnik Uglja said, according to the media report. The launch of the holding would open about 800 jobs and would cooperate with about 200 dairy farms and 2,000 fruit and vegetable producers.