North Macedonia revokes over 40 mineral concessions

North Macedonia’s Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanya Bozhinovska, announced that over 40 mineral resource exploitation concessions have been revoked due to identified irregularities. Additionally, concession fees have been increased by 100 percent to provide more funds for municipalities to use on infrastructure and local community needs.

The announcement came during a parliamentary response to questions from MP Redžep Ismail regarding the transfer of a limestone mining concession at the ‘Vrtkica’ site in the Studeničani municipality. Ismail raised serious safety concerns regarding the transport of ore via a local road connecting Dračevo and Dolno Količani. He noted that the road, which is maintained by local residents, is unsuitable for heavy cargo vehicles and passes through village areas where children play.

Minister Bozhinovska stated that any transfer of a concession legally requires traffic consent from the municipality. She announced that extraordinary inspection supervisions would be launched immediately to investigate the situation on the ground and ensure safety standards are met.