Andalusia expands mineral exploration as North Macedonia eyes copper project

The search for critical and strategic minerals is becoming a priority for European nations. In Andalusia, Spain, 73 geological explorations are currently underway for 27 minerals essential to European industry. The mining sector is a major economic driver in the region, accounting for approximately 90% of Spain’s metal mining value, with annual production exceeding 1.2 billion euros and over 8,000 employees.

In contrast, North Macedonia has not opened a new metal mine in over four decades, and the sector faces declining investment and employment. However, the country possesses confirmed copper potential at the Ilovica–Štuka site. The project is expected to see an initial investment of approximately 350 million euros, potentially creating 1,000 direct jobs during the construction phase and 500 direct jobs during operations, alongside 2,700 indirect jobs.

Jorge Paradela, the Minister of Energy, Industry, and Innovation, stated that Andalusia is a key mining power for Europe’s future. The minerals being investigated, including copper, magnesium, bismuth, and arsenic, are vital for electrification, the automotive, electronic, steel, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as battery production.