Since its very founding as the first institution of its kind in this region, the mission of the Mining Institute has been to drive the accelerated development of the mining sector – a mission that remains unchanged to this day, explains its director in this CorD interview
It isn’t easy to remain competitive and persist on the market, as every era brings its own specific demands, to which we have adapted successfully, – says Dr Milinko Radosavljević. He emphasises that, in the coming years, special attention will be paid to workplace and environmental protection, monitoring scientific advancements and implementing the latest technologies.
How would you describe the development path of Mining Institute Belgrade over the past 65 years?
— The Mining Institute was established in 1960 with the aim of providing comprehensive research, development, design and consultancy support to mines across all areas of mining and related sciences.
Over the past 65 years, the Institute has fulfilled this mission successfully, leaving a legacy of remarkable results both domestically and internationally: the design and development of 50 mines with complete infrastructure, over 20 quarries, more than 20 tailings and ash disposal sites, and over 40 mineral processing and coal cleaning plants, including coal beneficiation facilities. Additionally, the Institute has also developed numerous technical solutions for various mining operations, covering excavation methods, underground chamber construction, transportation systems, waste disposal and environmental and workplace protection. The Institute has implemented a wide range of technologies as a result of research and innovation projects, with over 50 projects funded by the relevant ministry.
How does the institute contribute to advancing mining technologies and sustainable mining?
— The approach to solving most challenges in mining technologies is multidisciplinary. Each problem is tackled professionally and with the application of the latest scientific achievements, always striving to enhance mining technologies and promote sustainable mining.
Our experts have extensive experience across various fields, whether in preparing investment and technical documentation in line with the Law on Mining and Geological Research or designing facilities and technologies in accordance with the Law on Planning and Construction.
When it comes to researching new technologies or validating existing ones, our three accredited laboratories, certified under the SRPS ISO 17025 standard, play a crucial role.
We place great emphasis on environmental and workplace protection and on integrating the latest scientific findings in this field into mining design. Particular attention is paid to addressing the negative environmental impacts of mining – as our contribution to sustainable mining.
What values have been key to the Institute’s success; and what would be your message to future generations of experts?
— The key to success has been adaptability to market demands, and I believe we have successfully kept pace with these changes. At the same time, the quality of our services has always been our strongest recommendation – earning the status of a reliable partner requires both knowledge and hard work.
Elektroprivreda Srbije has been our trusted partner for many years, providing us with great security in market operations. Additionally, Chinese companies Zijin Mining and Zijin Copper have become significant partners.
We must also highlight our past and future involvement in geotechnical research for the Belgrade Metro project. To future generations, I would say that working in this profession will increasingly require dedication to new technologies, including artificial intelligence and the automation of production processes. This will bring new challenges, but will also make the profession more attractive. Their great responsibility will be to restore trust in the mining sector and highlight its significance to every advanced society..
