Environmental groups demand cancellation of Ilovica-Stuka mine concessions

Nine environmental organizations in North Macedonia have issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding the cancellation of mining concessions for the Ilovica-Stuka mine by September 29. The deadline coincides with the government's scheduled session.

Activists, including the group ‘Zdrava Kotlina’, claim the issue has burdened society for nearly fifteen years and involves allegations of corruption. They warned that failure to meet the deadline will trigger nationwide protests and the use of constitutional rights for self-protection.

The demand follows a High Administrative Court decision regarding the merger of two mining concessions. While the court allowed the merger process to proceed, activists argue that because the government and the concessionaire, Euromax Resources, have not yet signed a formal agreement, the concessions remain separate and can still be revoked.