North Macedonia
Legislation
- Mineral Resources Law 2012 (as amended)
- Environmental Law 2005 (as amended)
Regulatory Risk Rating
Regulatory Risk
Regulatory Corruption Risk
Regulatory Corruption Risk
Corruption Exposure Risk
Corruption Exposure Risk
| Regulatory Risk Rating Factors | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| First Come / First Serve | Subscribe |
| Application Criteria | Subscribe |
| Duration | Subscribe |
| Right to Renew | Subscribe |
| Competing Licences | Subscribe |
| Mineral Coverage | Subscribe |
| Right to Mine | Subscribe |
| Criteria for Mining Rights | Subscribe |
| Tenure | Subscribe |
| Surface Rights | Subscribe |
| Government Take | Subscribe |
| Transfer Rights | Subscribe |
| Change of Control | Subscribe |
| EIA Process | Subscribe |
| Power to Revoke | Subscribe |
| Age of Legislation | Subscribe |
| Other Factors | Subscribe |
North Macedonia’s mineral law framework is reminiscent of others in the region whose roots lie in the legislative approaches of the former Yugoslavia. One gains the impression from the legislation that the country will not be an easy jurisdiction in which to progress projects. Taking into account the convoluted licensing process, the use of auctions as a primary means for the allocation of rights, the excessive instances of government control, weak security of tenure, and discretionary grounds for the revocation of rights - it would be remiss not to advise a high degree of caution to those considering investments in the country. This is not to say that success is not achievable, but protections and guarantees should be sought beyond the general legislative framework and these measures should account for and attempt to offset the impact that potential changes in government may have through the course of the project lifetime.
Contents
Legislation
- Mineral Resources Law 2012 (as amended)
- Environmental Law 2005 (as amended)
Regulatory Risk Rating
Regulatory Risk
Regulatory Corruption Risk
Regulatory Corruption Risk
Corruption Exposure Risk
Corruption Exposure Risk
Overview
North Macedonia has a long history of mining, one of the longest on the Balkan Peninsula. Today, the sector plays an important role in North Macedonia’s economy, with several projects in production and numerous exploration and advanced exploration projects ongoing. Lead, zinc, silver, gold and nickel and lignite are all currently produced in the country, with exploration projects also targeting copper, iron and manganese. With a focus on increasing investment, a new legal framework was implemented in 2012 and, according to reports, this triggered a wave of interest in the mining sector and a considerable increase in permitting. Investors were also attracted by the well-developed infrastructure – with good transportation links and communication networks found across the country. However, in more recent years, North Macedonia has struggled to balance the need for mining with the need for environmental protection. Perceptions in the country have shifted as activities have increased and, as with many countries in the region, anti-mining rhetoric has strengthened. Municipal level referendums have been used to try to block projects, though these have subsequently been deemed unconstitutional. Concessions have however, been revoked and bans on the use of certain chemicals introduced. Recent amendments to the legal framework have also sought to address the concerns of communities and environmental groups and try to strike a balance between various interests.
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