Lignite is Kosova’s most important energy resource supplying approximately 97 % of the total energy production from two thermal power plants. Hydro-power supplies the remaining three percent. Most recent figures indicate that explored lignite resources in all of Kosova amount to approximately 14.3 billion tonnes. Thereof, approximately 11.5 billion tonnes are estimated to be mineable.
The present Bardh-Mirash mine in the Kosova basin has been in operation since 1963/64. Annual production is less than seven million tonnes. The overburden and coal is excavated by continuous mining systems. The production is accompanied by the removal of loose overburden with a volume of about 16 x106 m3.
Mirash lignite mine, Kosova Lignite Basin
The lignite reserves of the current operating mine amount to approximately 15 Mt. At a consumption of 6 to 7 Mt/a at the Thermal Power Plants Kosova A and Kosova B, lignite production covers the needs of the attendant thermal power plants Kosova A and B until the year 2011. It is, therefore, planned to compensate the shortfall from a new mine starting in 2010. By the beginning of 2010 about nine million tonnes of lignite will be required per year. The current production levels are, therefore, insufficient for the constant and reliable energy supply for the public and private sector.
On the basis of the Kosova Energy Strategy of 2005, various activities have been initiated.
In particular the following actions and projects have been recommended:
• Construction of new generating capacity;
• Enhancement of existing generating capacity; and the
• Expansion of lignite mining into the adjacent Sibovc area.
As production from the current mine declines lignite will have to be increasingly supplied from a new mine. Expanding to the north is the only possibility. Surface water issues prevent an expansion of the existing mine to the east. An expansion to the south is impeded by an unfavorable overburden to coal ratio and large outside dumps from earlier mine developments. Presently, the location of the village Hade poses an equally significant challenge in the northeast. The expansion into the new Sibovc South-West field is, therefore, the preferred option. It is located immediately north of the existing Bardh mine.
The coal deposits of the Kosova coal basins, especially the Sibovc deposit is regarded as one of the best in terms of calorific value (8,100 kJ/kg) and mineability throughout Europe. The mining parameters of Sibovc are characterized by an average stripping ratio 1.0 to 1.2 m³ of overburden per tonne of lignite.
The coal deposits of the Kosova coal basins, especially the Sibovc deposit is regarded as one of the best in terms of calorific value (8,100 kJ/kg) and mineability throughout Europe. The mining parameters of Sibovc are characterized by an average stripping ratio 1.0 to 1.2 m³ of overburden per tonne of lignite.
The new mine Sibovc South West is expected to supply the first coal in 2010.
Commencing in 2010, 3.4 million tonnes of coal are due to be produced annually from the new mine. The development requires an investment of €237.5 million in the period 2006 – 2012. The Kosova Energy Strategy identifies the Sibovc field as the future lignite resource that will be developed to supply all existing KEK power plants as well as the new 1,000 MW power plant Kosova e Re.
Sibovc has a surface area of approximately 20 km2, geological lignite reserves of 990 million tonnes, of which 830 million tonnes are mineable.
Sibovc Mining Field
Sibovc Mining Field Cross Sections
Sibovc Mining Field – Borehole Spacing
Sibovc Mining Field – Coal Seam Thickness
Sibovc Mining Field – Overburden to Coal Ratio
Sibovc Mining Field – Overburden to Coal Ratio and Seam Thickness
According to the Kosova Energy Strategy the Sibovc South-West Mine is to provide the entire coal production required for both the existing KEK units and the units of the new Power Plant Kosova e Re until the year 2030. After the year 2030, this mine will supply the units of Kosova e Re only, anticipating the retirement of all existing KEK units by that date.
A feasibility study on the mine development concluded that the cost of lignite fuel available from the new mine is one of the lowest ones in whole Europe. The mine could supply lignite to the plant at its full load for its entire lifetime of 40 years.
A feasibility study on the mine development concluded that the cost of lignite fuel available from the new mine is one of the lowest ones in whole Europe. The mine could supply lignite to the plant at its full load for its entire lifetime of 40 years.
