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5 clusters · 14 sources · 17 days · First seen · Last updated

North Macedonia industrial sector trends

Overview

North Macedonia is experiencing divergent trends across key industrial sectors. The mining and stone extraction sector has faced labor declines, with the number of employees dropping by 7.7% in June 2026 compared to the previous year. While the industry remains a high-paying sector, experts have warned of risks regarding an aging workforce and labor shortages.

In response to these challenges, new developments regarding compensation and investment have emerged. During Miners’ Day celebrations on August 28, 2026, officials announced significant wage increases. Zoran Konjanovski, Production Director of AD ESM, stated that a new collective agreement will trigger direct salary increases starting in August 2026, with tiered growth expected to exceed 10% over the following 20 months.

Miroslav Labudovic, Deputy Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, noted that the mining industry supports approximately 10,000 families and accounts for 11% of the nation’s industrial production. He emphasized the necessity of investing in high-tech mines, modern equipment, and improved safety and environmental protections to secure national energy independence.

During the Miners’ Day celebrations, specific entities highlighted modernization efforts. Sasa Mine announced investments in new underground trucks and improved ventilation systems, while awarding 121 employees for their contributions to safe production. At REK Bitola and REK Osloemej, officials reiterated the need for high-tech investments to ensure energy independence and a transition toward automated, safer, and more environmentally friendly practices to meet global demand for critical minerals.

These developments follow a period of record-breaking economic figures in 2025, where concession fee revenues reached over 1.22 billion denars. While the mining sector focuses on modernization and wage growth, the engineering and technical consulting sector has also shown strength, with 2025 revenues rising by 12.57% to 187.6 million euros.

Entities

AD ESM · North Macedonia · Sasa Mine · Bulmak 2016 · Miroslav Labudovic

Timeline

  1. 14 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    North Macedonian miners to receive over 10% wage increase

    Miners in North Macedonia will see wage increases exceeding 10% over the next 20 months, according to AD ESM officials during Miners' Day celebrations.

  2. 15 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 11 sources
    North Macedonia celebrates Miners' Day with industry modernization focus

    North Macedonia celebrated Miners' Day with industry leaders emphasizing technological modernization, increased safety standards, and the sector's vital role in national energy and economic stability.

  3. 16 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    North Macedonia mining sector hits record concession fee revenues

    North Macedonia's mining sector reached record concession fee revenues of over 1.22 billion denars in 2025, contributing 10.9% to industrial production.

  4. 21 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Engineering sector in North Macedonia sees significant revenue and profit growth

    North Macedonia's engineering and technical consulting sector saw revenue rise to 187.6 million euros in 2025, with profits increasing by over 50% compared to the previous year.

  5. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    North Macedonia mining sector faces labor decline

    North Macedonia's mining sector saw a 7.7% drop in workers in June 2026. Despite rising wages, experts urge new investments like the Ilovica-Štuka project to prevent labor shortages.

Sources

a1on.mk · alfa.mk · biznisvesti.mk · expres.mk · lokalno.mk · nezavisen.mk · novamakedonija.com.mk · opserver.mk · panoptikum.mk · reporter.mk · vecer.mk · vesnik.com · vreme.mk · zhurnal.mk

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history