Montenegro’s mining and quarrying sector recorded strong growth in the second quarter of 2026, while concession procedures in Pljevlja are opening a potential new phase of investment in zinc and lead resources. Mining and quarrying output increased approximately 28.2% year on year in Q2 2026, supported by stronger coal production as the country’s energy sector recovered. Beyond the immediate increase in production, the Government has advanced concession procedures covering zinc and lead deposits in the Pljevlja area, including Šuplja stijena, Đurđeve vode, Paljevine and Ribnik.
The projects could introduce additional non-energy mining activity into a region whose industrial economy has traditionally been centred on coal and electricity generation. The development comes as Pljevlja faces a long-term industrial transition associated with the declining economic role of coal under European climate policy. The development of metal mining would provide an additional industrial activity, while extractive projects would continue to involve environmental and transition considerations.
The commercial viability of potential zinc and lead developments would depend on reserve quality, ore grades, processing requirements, transport access and global zinc and lead prices. The existence of concession procedures does not by itself establish the commercial viability of the deposits. Potential projects would require capital expenditure covering mine development, processing facilities, tailings management, power supply and logistics.
Environmental permitting would also form a central part of project development. Montenegro’s EU accession process increases the relevance of environmental requirements covering waste, water and mine closure obligations. The investment potential is linked to the combination of identified mineral resources, improving infrastructure and European demand for secure supplies of raw materials. At the same time, projects with insufficient processing value could leave Montenegro more exposed to fluctuations in international commodity prices. The 28.2% increase in mining and quarrying output provides a stronger current production base, while the concession procedures in Pljevlja represent the next stage in determining whether zinc and lead resources can support longer-term investment.
