COAL QUALITY AND ITS ROLE IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: THE CASE OF TUZLA CANTON

Abstract

Bosnia and Herzegovina remains significantly dependent on coal for electricity generation, making the quality of domestic coal and its future utilisation important issues in the process of energy transition. Tuzla Canton represents the most important coal-mining region in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with significant reserves of lignite and brown coal used primarily for thermal power generation. The aim of this study is to analyse the quality of coal from selected mines in Tuzla Canton and to assess its potential future role in the electricity system of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The research was conducted using composite coal samples collected from the Kreka, Banovići and Đurđevik mines during the period from 15 to 19 June 2026. The analyses included moisture content, ash content, combustible matter and lower heating value. The obtained results indicate significant differences in coal quality between the investigated mines and individual exploitation fields. Lignite from the Kreka mine is characterised by high moisture and ash contents and a lower lower-heating value. The investigated brown coals generally have elevated ash contents, while coal from the Banovići mine demonstrates more favourable energy characteristics.
Particular importance is attributed to the coal preparation process at the Banovići mine, where separation removes a proportion of waste material, thereby reducing ash content and increasing the heating value of the coal. The results confirm that the energy value of domestic coal depends considerably on its geological characteristics as well as on the applied coal preparation and beneficiation processes. Differences in coal quality directly affect utilisation efficiency, the amount of fuel required for energy production and the quantity of ash generated during combustion.
The obtained results can provide a basis for improved planning of coal extraction and preparation, as well as for the selection of appropriate technologies for its utilisation. Particular attention should be given to improving selective mining and coal preparation processes in order to achieve more efficient use of available resources while reducing their environmental impact.
Although Bosnia and Herzegovina is gradually increasing the share of renewable energy sources, coal is expected to remain an important component in ensuring the stability of the electricity system during the coming period. More efficient coal extraction, preparation and utilisation may contribute to the rational use of domestic resources during the transition period. In the long term, the energy transition requires an increased share of renewable energy sources, improved energy efficiency and the gradual alignment of the thermal power sector with European climate and environmental requirements.