North Macedonia explores critical antimony and copper resources

North Macedonia is actively exploring its critical mineral resources, including antimony and copper, amid a global surge in demand for materials essential to technology and the energy transition. An OECD report highlights the increasing importance of these minerals and recommends that nations map their national capacities and monitor supply chains to mitigate risks.

In North Macedonia, geological exploration for antimony is underway near Kriva Palanka, supported by the Strategic Dialogue with the United States. Additionally, the Ilovica site has been identified as a confirmed copper deposit with an established investment plan. Pre-feasibility studies for the Ilovica–Stuka complex project an annual production of 16,000 tons of copper, based on estimated resources and reserves of 237 million tons.

The Ilovica–Stuka project is designed as a modern mining complex aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. The global interest in copper, driven by record prices and industrial demand, has led to increased cooperation between major international mining entities.