REK Bitola has addressed public concerns regarding alleged improper ash disposal, emphasizing its commitment to environmentally responsible operations. The company acknowledged the known issue of dust arising from ash disposal due to the plant’s production process and the 3.7-kilometer conveyor belt used for ash transport.

The State Environmental Inspectorate conducted an inspection on March 26, 2025, and found an excess of ash compared to the Main Mining Project’s guidelines. REK Bitola was given 30 days to properly dispose of the excess ash and cover it with soil. The Inspectorate did not impose sanctions, acknowledging the plant’s efforts to resolve the problem.

As of today, the company reports that the entire amount of ash identified during the inspection has been properly disposed of, and the land has been completely covered with soil.

To achieve a long-term solution, plans are underway to relocate the conveyor belt by April 25, enabling direct ash disposal into the designated cassette. Water cannons will be implemented for enhanced wetting immediately after the belt relocation. Until then, continuous sprinkling of the disposed ash is being carried out using specialized equipment and a tanker.

Furthermore, ambient air measurements conducted by the accredited laboratory “Tehnolab” Skopje indicate that the 24-hour limit value for PM10 concentration, which protects human health, was not exceeded during the examined period.

The current management of REK Bitola underscores its dedication to resolving long-standing issues and ensuring the plant’s sustainable operation while adhering to the highest environmental standards. The company pledged to maintain transparency by keeping the public informed about their ongoing activities in this area.