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26 clusters · 63 sources · 106 days · First seen · Last updated

North Macedonia renewables, gas link & copper push

Overview

In 2026, North Macedonia accelerated its clean-energy transition with a €1.5 billion programme for two run-of-river hydro plants (Chebren, Galishte) and a €400 million wind farm near Štip, while a second 800 million-euro park remains under discussion. Croatian firms Končar and Dalekovod secured contracts for a 337.5 MW wind farm and a 400 kV substation. Additionally, the REK Bitola 1 cogeneration plant received a $2.4 million World Bank grant. The 66.7-km gas interconnector with Greece, financed by the EIB, EBRD, and an EU grant, is on track for 2027, initially aiming to move 1.5 bcm per year.

On the mineral side, the government prepared concessions for four new copper-gold mines, notably Ilovica-Štuka. As global copper prices approach record levels near $14,500 per ton due to supply constraints, the Ilovica-Stuka project remains the country’s primary metallic mining investment opportunity. The project aims to double the nation's current copper output from the Bučim-Borov Dol mine, with projected annual production exceeding 16,000 tons. While the project previously faced environmental concerns, Euromax Resources has revised its plans to exclude cyanide and sulfuric acid, and local initiatives such as ‘I zdravje i rabota’ have expressed support for modern practices with strict controls.

Recent developments emphasize the country's role in critical mineral supply chains. Geological exploration for antimony continues near Kriva Palanka, supported by a Strategic Dialogue with the United States. Experts highlight the Ilovica-Stuka porphyry copper and gold deposit as a significant greenfield project, aligned with the Mineral Resources Strategy 2026-2046. This comes as global studies suggest copper demand may outpace primary mining capacity due to electrification needs, prompting calls for sustainable extraction and circular economy practices in line with European standards.

Entities

North Macedonia · Ilovica · Ilovica-Štuka · Goran Nachevski · I zdravje i rabota

Timeline

  1. about 14 hours ago

    [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    Copper supply shortage threatens global green energy transition

    Global copper demand is projected to exceed primary supply due to the green transition, prompting the EU to focus on domestic recycling and extraction. North Macedonia's Ilovica-Stuka deposit is noted as a key'

  2. 6 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    North Macedonia explores critical antimony and copper resources

    North Macedonia is exploring critical mineral resources, including antimony near Kriva Palanka and copper at the Ilovica site, to meet rising global demand for technological and energy transition materials.

  3. 8 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    North Macedonia proposes new mining laws to balance investment and environment

    North Macedonia's Energy Minister Sanja Božinovska presented proposed mining and geology laws aimed at attracting investment while ensuring environmental protection and alignment with EU standards.

  4. 30 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 7 sources
    North Macedonia seeks to expand role in critical minerals race

    North Macedonia faces limited participation in the global critical minerals race, with only one active copper mine and one major new investment project, the Ilovica-Štuka mine, currently underway.

  5. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    North Macedonia mining debate calls for science-based decisions

    The ‘I Zdravje i Rabota’ initiative urges North Macedonia to base mining decisions, including the Ilovica-Stuka project, on scientific evidence and strict environmental standards to balance growth and ecology.

  6. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Ilovica copper mine project promises economic growth and jobs

    Supporters of the Ilovica copper mine in North Macedonia argue the project will create jobs and boost the regional economy if strict international environmental standards are maintained.

  7. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Copper prices approach record highs amid global supply constraints

    As global copper prices approach $14,500 per ton, North Macedonia faces a major economic opportunity through the proposed Ilovica-Stuka mining project, which could double the nation's current copper output.

  8. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    EU accelerates critical mineral mining as Ilovica-Stuka remains North Macedonia's key project

    As the EU accelerates critical mineral mining with strict environmental rules, North Macedonia's Ilovica-Stuka copper project stands as its primary major mining investment.

  9. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    North Macedonia awaits Ilovica copper project amid global critical mineral race

    As Western nations increase funding for critical minerals to reduce reliance on China, North Macedonia's Ilovica copper project remains stalled despite available private capital and significant resource potensi

  10. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 15 sources
    North Macedonia inflation falls to 2.3% as food prices decline

    North Macedonia's annual inflation rate dropped to 2.3% in July. Officials report stable prices and a two-month decline in food costs, reducing the need for new government intervention measures.

  11. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Macedonia advances critical mineral mining while cracking down on agricultural subsidy fraud

    Macedonia seeks to develop a copper mine in Ilovica with new environmental standards while exposing large‑scale abuse of agricultural subsidies, including false tobacco reports and recycled ear‑tags from dead r

  12. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Macedonia's Untapped Copper Potential Highlights Global Critical Minerals Race

    The IEA warns that soaring demand for critical minerals is reshaping geopolitics. Macedonia, with notable copper reserves at Ilovica and antimony potential, still lacks new mines; only the depleted Buchim‑Borov

  13. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 6 sources
    Macedonia's Ilovica-Štuка Copper Mine Project Defended by Local Initiative Amid Misinformation Claims

    Macedonia's local group 'И Здравје и Работа' defends the Ilovica‑Štuка copper mine, citing dry‑stack tailings technology and urging government approval amid claims of misinformation.

  14. 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Macedonia's Ilovica copper reserves idle as global copper shortage deepens

    IEA warns copper is becoming critically scarce as demand rose 3.7% in 2025 and prices hit $14,000/ton, while Macedonia’s Ilovica reserve – capable of >10,000 t/year – remains undeveloped.

  15. 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    GSI and GREGY projects aim to turn Greece into Europe’s energy gateway

    GSI and GREGY electricity links could make Greece a key energy hub, lowering costs and boosting security across Greece, Cyprus, Israel and Egypt.

  16. 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Macedonia's Ilovica copper project stalled while US expands critical mineral reserves

    Macedonia's €350 m Ilovica copper project, expected to boost exports by €180 m annually, remains unstarted, while the US pours $12 bn into critical mineral reserves and funding for related research.

  17. 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 8 sources
    Greece emerges as major energy exporter to Southeast Europe

    Greece has become a Southeast European energy hub, exporting fuel, electricity and gas. Exports of fuel exceed 8 Mt annually, electricity turned from a 10 TWh import in 2019 to a net exporter (3 TWh in 2025), €

  18. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Macedonia government prepares concessions for four new copper and gold mines

    North Macedonia's government is preparing concessions for four new copper‑gold mines near Kadica, Ilovica‑Štuka, Probištip and Kratovo, prompting the Levica party to call for a moratorium and demand full public

  19. 3 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
    Greece launches major copper mining drive to feed EU, while Macedonia's Ilovica remains idle

    Greece is rolling out major copper projects to support EU supply, while Macedonia's Ilovica mine stays idle and the US pushes domestic copper production.

  20. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 13 sources
    Greece’s gas demand jumps 15% as exports triple in first half of 2026

    Greek gas demand rises 15% in H1 2026, exports triple to 8.72 TWh, imports up 15% and US LNG supplies 70% of Revythoussa receipts; capacity auctions lock in half of the vertical corridor to Bulgaria.

  21. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Macedonia‑Greece gas interconnector set for completion next year

    Macedonia‑Greece gas interconnector, 66.7 km long, to finish next year, delivering 1.5 bcm/year (expandable to 3 bcm) and funded by EIB, EBRD, and EU grants, boosting energy security and EU integration.

  22. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Macedonia's Chebren and Galishte project to boost energy, water and tourism

    Macedonia's Chebren and Galishte project aims to enhance electricity, water supply and tourism, with financing sought from international lenders or a PPP, and is linked to broader regional infrastructure.

  23. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    Končar and Dalekovod win €53.8 million wind farm and transmission contract in North Macedonia

    Končar and Dalekovod secured €53.76 million contracts from Alcazar Energy for a 337.5 MW wind farm and transmission works in North Macedonia, boosting their regional renewable‑energy footprint.

  24. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Macedonia close to ESM‑financed Chebreh and Galishte hydro projects

    Macedonia’s PM Christian Micic says the country is close to an ESM‑backed decision to finance the Chebreh and Galishte hydro‑reservoir projects, aiming at water supply, irrigation, tourism and power generation.

  25. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    REK Bitola 1 Cogeneration Plant Gets $2.4 M World Bank Grant

    AD ESM and the World Bank signed a $2.4 million grant to fund preparatory work for the REK Bitola 1 cogeneration plant, a €200 million project that will produce electricity and heat, cut emissions and boost MKI

  26. 4 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    North Macedonia to spend €1.5 bn on new hydroelectric and wind power projects

    North Macedonia will invest €1.5 bn in two hydroelectric plants on the Black River and a €400 m wind farm near Štip, plus plans for further wind and gas‑cogeneration projects.

Sources

360stepeni.mk · a1on.mk · alfa.mk · alsat.mk · antropol.mk · banks.com.gr · biznisinfo.mk · biznisvesti.mk · boursa.info · brankof.blog.pravda.sk · businessdaily.gr · denesen.mk · economix.gr · ekonomijaibiznis.mk · enikonomia.gr · enikos.gr · financije.hr · flash.gr · fortunegreece.com · gargalianoionline.gr · greekcitytimes.com · iefimerida.gr · insider.gr · jugoinfo.mk · koha.mk · libertas.mk · lider.mk · lideri.mk · lidermedia.hr · lokalno.mk · lykavitos.gr · makfax.com.mk · meta.mk · mkd.mk · mononews.gr · nabu-bw.de · nacionalno.mk · newmoney.gr · novamakedonija.com.mk · nsuzivo.rs · ohridsky.com · opserver.mk · pari.com.mk · plusinfo.mk · portalb.mk · press24.mk · protothema.gr · puls24.mk

This summary has been updated 12 times: see revision history