North Macedonia: SDSM opposes new mining and data center plans

mining projects antimony exploitation spatial planning environmental protests North Macedonia

The Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) and environmental activists are opposing the government's proposed spatial plan, which includes the opening of five new mines and the exploitation of antimony. SDSM spokesperson Bogdanka Kuzeska identified the proposed mining locations as Ilovica-Shtuka, Kazandol, Plavica, Kadiica, and Luke, alongside planned geological explorations on Kozhuv Mountain.

SDSM has accused the government of prioritizing private business interests, such as data centers and mining, over public health and environmental safety. The party raised concerns regarding the impact of mining waste on water resources and soil, specifically mentioning unresolved issues with water quality in Gostivar and the Lepenec and Vardar rivers.

In the southeastern planning region, eco-activists from the group ‘Zdrava Kotlina’ have announced plans to file over 200 objections to the document. They argue that mining is incompatible with the region's agricultural nature and expressed concern over the lack of transparency regarding the risks to water resources and local livelihoods.