Around fifty civil society organizations and environmental institutions in North Macedonia are calling for a meeting with relevant authorities to discuss guarantees for environmental standards in the proposed mining strategy for 2025-2045. This request has been submitted to Energy Minister Sanja Bozinovska and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, as reported by MKD.mk.
Representatives at a recent press conference included Liliana Popovska from the Green Institute, Kostadin Ristomanov from Eco Dolina, and Dejan Andonov from the IKS Institute for Communication Studies, among others. They emphasize their mission to protect the environment, biodiversity, and human health while advocating for responsible and sustainable use of mineral resources.
Upon reviewing the draft strategy, environmentalists identified conflicts with existing laws and strategies aligned with international standards in agriculture, tourism, and environmental protection, all aimed at preserving water, soil, and air quality in the face of climate change. They demand that the mining strategy adhere to specific environmental principles.
The groups insist that the strategy should comply with state documents concerning the environment, climate change, and sustainable development—frameworks that have guided investments in infrastructure and subsidies for decades. They reject a “mining-centric concept” and the characterization of Macedonia as a “mining country,” arguing that such an approach contradicts national and European strategies focused on green energy, circular economy, and environmental conservation. Unchecked mining expansion could jeopardize other economic sectors and undermine Macedonia’s image as a destination for tourism and healthy agriculture.
The environmentalists are particularly opposed to mining in protected areas, as well as those under consideration for protection, including Kožuf, Ogražden and Belasica. They also advocate against establishing mines within 5 km of populated areas or protected sites, citing regulations against polluting industries in these zones.
Additionally, they are calling for an end to coal mining and for collaboration among energy workers, miners and environmental advocates to align with climate action plans.
The organizations urge a broad societal discussion on this critical strategic document, emphasizing the need for a transparent adoption process that includes input from all stakeholders.
