Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – According to Marko Vucinic of the Ministry of Energy and Mining, the Government aims to develop sustainable mining practices that meet environmental standards and involve local communities, contributing to European integration and EU programmes for strategic mineral resources.
“Our goal is to support the economy and simplify procedures, while ensuring that mining remains environmentally sustainable, with a special focus on site rehabilitation and recultivation,” Vucinic said in an interview published in the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG) bulletin.
Vucinic, who serves as an acting director of the Directorate for Geology and Mining at the Ministry of Energy and Mining, stated that their focus for the rest of the year will be completing a new law on geological exploration, aimed at aligning the sector with European practices while simplifying regulations and procedures.
“A particular focus of this law will be on hydrogeology, which is currently not adequately regulated, especially considering the growing importance of water as a resource. The law will also pay special attention to geological research and seismic studies, which is crucial since Montenegro is located in a seismically active region,” said Vucinic.
He added that he business sector will benefit from the simplified procedures in the new law, especially the construction sector in terms of seismic requirements.
Vucinic reminded that the mining sector employs over five thousand people in Montenegro, which has significant resources, including critical mineral raw materials that are very important for the development of the European Union.
Regarding human resources, he pointed out that Montenegro lacks a faculty for geology and mining.
“Therefore, we need to address the issue of workforce shortages. We are considering the possibility of funding the establishment of a faculty or a study programme in geology and mining, as well as providing scholarships for students. We believe that creating a faculty or dedicated study programme in geology and mining would be highly valuable, especially considering that this is a sector with continuous growth. Unfortunately, there is limited interest in this field among students even in neighbouring countries,” Vucinic concluded.
