Greece launches major copper mining drive to feed EU, while Macedonia's Ilovica remains idle

Greece is expanding its role in the EU's critical‑minerals strategy by planning a series of large‑scale copper projects. The country has five new proposals covering the full value chain from extraction to recycling, with three already passing technical evaluations. Projects such as the Sapes gold‑copper mine, the Skurie copper‑gold operation in Halkidiki, and a recycling centre in Viotia are expected to add tens of thousands of tonnes of copper annually and involve investments exceeding €2 billion.

In neighboring North Macedonia, the Ilovica copper deposit – capable of producing more than 10 000 t of copper per year for two decades and backed by a €350 million investment plan – remains undeveloped after more than 40 years without a new metal mine. The site is highlighted in the country's mineral strategy but faces administrative delays.

At the same time, the United States is accelerating domestic mineral production. New legislation, described as the “Dominance Act,” seeks to boost American copper output to lessen reliance on China and strengthen supply‑chain security. Macedonian officials note that, despite the Ilovica potential, the country has not capitalised on the opportunity, underscoring the broader geopolitical competition over critical minerals.

“Критичните минерали стануваат прашање на економска и геостратешка политика.”