Mining sector could drive economic growth in North Macedonia

The initiative ‘And Health and Work’ suggests that unblocking mining projects could serve as a primary driver for industrial production and economic growth in North Macedonia. This comes in response to data from the State Statistical Office for August 2026, which shows a 1.9 percent annual decline in industrial production and a significant 10.1 percent drop in the mining and stone extraction sector.

The initiative argues that mining should be viewed as a way to develop an entire chain of economic activities, including infrastructure development, job creation, and increased revenue for local communities. Projects such as Ilovica-Shtuka are highlighted as having the potential to stimulate the local economy and create opportunities for skilled young workers, provided that projects adhere to legal procedures and high environmental protection standards.