North Macedonia mining sector hits record concession fee revenues

During celebrations for Miners' Day, North Macedonia's Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, reported record-breaking economic figures for the mining sector. In 2025, the country produced 130,174 tons of copper, lead, and zinc concentrate. This production accounted for 10.9% of total industrial production and 2.8% of the nation's total exports.

Bozhinovska highlighted that revenues from concession fees reached a historic high of over 1.22 billion denars (approximately 19.8 million euros). She attributed these results to improved collection systems, strengthened institutional oversight, and more frequent inspections. The Minister emphasized that while mining is a vital economic pillar, worker safety remains the absolute priority.

Other industry leaders, including Dime Petreski of the Macedonian Association of Mining, noted the sector's essential role in modern industry and energy. Discussions also touched upon the future of the profession, focusing on digitalization, automation, and the role of mining in the green transition and decarbonization processes.