U.S. antimony mining investment in North Macedonia

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) allocated up to $5 million to support the preparatory phase of an antimony mining project in Krstov Dol, North Macedonia. The funding is intended for mineral resource analysis, feasibility studies, and environmental impact assessments to reactivate the site, which is considered a critical mineral source for the energy, electronics, and defense industries.

Following the announcement, the SDSM political party criticized the initiative. Opposition members characterized the government’s trip to the United States as an “expensive excursion” that yielded minimal benefits, arguing that the $5 million grant is insufficient to address necessary environmental protections, water monitoring, and waste management. Critics also raised concerns regarding potential soil and water contamination from antimony mining and questioned whether the costs of the state delegation exceeded the value of the grant.

More recently, SDSM has intensified its criticism of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski following a week-long trip to the United States. The opposition claims the delegation, comprising approximately 50 people, failed to secure official meetings or meaningful results. SDSM further contrasted the $5 million antimony grant with 5.53 million euros spent on a public celebration funded by lottery proceeds, accusing the government of prioritizing personal commissions over public health and environmental protection.

SDSM has further accused Prime Minister Mickoski of political hypocrisy, noting that while in opposition in 2023, he advocated for the cancellation of the Ilovica mine concession to protect health and the environment. The party argues he is now supporting antimony mining under the guise of state interest. Highlighting health risks, SDSM noted that the IARC classifies toxic antimony as a Group 2A potential carcinogen and criticized the lack of water safety reports in regions such as Gostivar.