Admir Šahmanović, the Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas, Montenegro, met with former workers of the bauxite mine on the Seoca plateau, who have been waiting for ten years to pay claims from the bankruptcy estate. In a statement from the Ministry, Šahmanović assured the workers that he would strive to resolve the issue legally and within the institutional framework.
The minister's commitment comes after a decades-long struggle for the workers to receive their due compensation, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by those affected by the mine's bankruptcy. Šahmanović's promise marks a significant step towards addressing their grievances and seeking a just outcome through proper legal channels.
Šahmanović said, "I am sorry that this multi-decade problem is dragging on and that you are going through this story because you are someone who created and contributed to the entire community with your work and effort."
He emphasised, "If anyone deserves their earnings, pensions, and accompanying rights, it is you."
"You should be given a medal. But because of these things from the past, the situation is the way it is, and we are trying to find a way. I propose we listen to Mr Amidžić, the bankruptcy administrator, to get into the story about the invitation to sell property 16. Also, I suggest we stick to some legal norms to transfer this problem to the institutional framework to exhaust all legal possibilities from the bankruptcy procedure."
If no interested investor is found, Šahmanović stated that he would advocate for the government to develop a social program.
"Let's see if the government, depending on the availability of finances, can take on some debt and create some social program. I cannot promise you here today that we will solve this problem quickly. What I can promise you is that I will give 100 per cent of myself to finish this. The Ministry of Mining, Oil and Gas is your house, and believe me, this will be high on our priority agenda in the coming period," he said.
As he says, the problem should be resolved within the institutional framework by implementing the bankruptcy procedure.
Šahmanović added, "By that, I mean moving out by August 15, then announcing one call, and usually there are two calls. After that, when we have exhausted all those legal possibilities, we would prepare some information for the Government, in agreement with colleagues from the Ministry of Finance and Prime Minister Spajić's Cabinet. I do not doubt we can find a solution."
"We can solve this only with joint forces. I would only appeal to the gentlemen not to protest, not to expose themselves to risks, not to endanger their health, and to let the institutions do their work. Since we have been waiting for so many years, I ask you to be more patient. Have confidence in us. I'm looking you in the eye right now. Take my word for it - I will do everything in my power and the Ministry of Mining, Oil and Gas," he concluded.
Milorad Đurović, representing the former bauxite mine workers, expressed gratitude to Minister Šahmanović for his visit. He emphasised that the patience of the ex-employees is wearing thin, but they remain committed to finding a solution in collaboration with the Government and the relevant minister.
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