SASA provided New Year’s bonus for employees, gifts for children and socially vulnerable groups
In addition to the support throughout the year, on the eve of the New Year and Christmas holidays, SASA Mine provided complimentary gifts to various groups of citizens in the local community, so that everyone could feel the festive atmosphere. Furthermore, for their efforts and dedicated work during 2022, all SASA employees, in addition to the regular salary, are rewarded with a New Year’s salary supplement and appropriate gifts. Traditionally, on New Year’s Eve, representatives of the management of SASA will visit the employees of the mine, as well as the emergency teams, the fire department and the police in Makedonska Kamenica, who will welcome the New Year at their workplaces, giving them presents. “This is a special time of the year when we all wish to receive a gift and a message with wishes for happiness, good health and success in the new year. That’s why we, as a company, are happy and grateful to have the opportunity to help everyone who is part of this community, especially children and vulnerable families, to feel the joy and magic of the New Year holidays. Of course, we also wanted to reward our employees who showed great dedication in their work and invested a lot of energy in the implementation of our capital investment projects that should ensure the sustainable development of SASA in the years to come. This year also we will be happy to visit and thank the employees of the units, who, even on New Year’s Eve, continue to take care of the safety, health and security of the local community, as well as the employees responsible for maintaining the work process in SASA,” said the General Manager of SASA Chris Colbourne.
Five years since CAML’s entry into SASA – $52 million already invested in sustainable development
Makedonska Kamenica, 15.11.2022 – The SASA mine has celebrated the 5th anniversary of it joining Central Asia Metals (CAML) – a specialised mining company based in London, United Kingdom. North Macedonia’s largest lead and zinc mine was visited by the British Ambassador Matthew Lawson, North Macedonia Chamber of Commerce President Branko Azeski, and Makedonska Kamenica Mayor Dimcho Atanasovski. During the visit, they were acquainted with SASA’s investments so far and the effect and significance for the broader community, as well as the implementation of the new capital project, worth over $25 million, that is to enable SASA’s further sustainable development. “Celebrating this anniversary is very significant to us all. Since becoming part of the Central Asia Metals Group, a new era of overall production modernisation and development started at SASA, benefitting everyone, including the employees, the local economy and the community. The continuous support we have been receiving from CAML, as well as the cooperation with local and national level institutions and other partners, guarantees that we will realise the new capital investments that will enable SASA’s safe, environmentally responsible, and stable operations in the years to come. SASA will be able to continue on the path of success and sustainable development, ensuring the well-being of its employees, supporting the local community and contributing to the country’s overall prosperity,” said the General Director of SASA, Chris Colbourne. Over the past five years, CAML has invested $52 million across all major segments of SASA’s development. A significant portion of these funds have been invested in the purchase of new, state-of-the-art mining equipment and production technology, the digitisation of certain work processes, the occupational safety and protection system, as well as the further improvement of standards and working conditions and professional development and employee welfare. In addition, during this period, more than $1.7 million has been invested in the implementation of various sustainability activities and projects intended to support the local community. “Delighted to visit one of the flagship British investments in North Macedonia at the SASA mine complex, developed in partnership with the local community and bringing skilled jobs to Makedonska Kamenica. UK investment in North Macedonia going from strength to strength,” said British Ambassador Matthew Lawson. The president of the largest business association in the country also joined the 5th anniversary congratulations, emphasising that it is precisely these investments in the mines’ modernisation that would contribute to the continuation of North Macedonia’s long mining tradition. “In the face of global health, energy, and price crises, the consequences of which, no one can predict for certain, investments in sustainable development are the best way to pave a better future. In addition to the modernisation of production, they also enable increased safety and improvement of the working conditions in mining, more effective environmental protection, even greater well-being of the employees and their families, and of course, additional benefits for the country’s overall economic development, which is our common goal,” said the President of the North Macedonia Chambers of Commerce, Branko Azeski. For Makedonska Kamenica Mayor Dimcho Atanasovski, the SASA mine, as the largest economic entity in the municipality, is of great importance for the local economic development and provides social security to a large number of families, which is especially important in the current times of crisis. “That is why responsible companies and investors like SASA and CAML will continue to have the support of our local government in the implementation of their development projects that are yielding long-term benefits for our entire community and beyond,” the Mayor of Makedonska Kamenica stressed.
Donation from SASA for the International day of people with disabilities
This year, on the occasion of the 3rd of December – International Day of People with disabilities, SASA continues its constant support intended for this important segment of the local community. This year, through its Foundation for the support of sustainable development, SASA has donated equipment and materials to the Daycare centre fоr people with disabilities, whose services are used by 15 people in the municipality of Makedonska Kamenica. The donation consists of beds, air conditioners, toys, paper and drawing utensils, a printer and other office supplies. “With its continuous support for people with disabilities, SASA is demonstrating complete understanding of the needs, attention and care that is necessary to these fellow citizens, so they can feel that they are truly integrated in the community. All of us that are part of this system, we are extremely grateful to SASA for this type of support which sets great example and encouragement for other companies and entities in the society about how to act.” – said in this occasion Blagoj Stoimenovski – Head of the Daycare centre for people with disabilities in Makedonska Kamenica. Every person, regardless status and needs deserves to be equally happy and included in the society, SASA said, explaining the company motive for the support that continuously each year is providing for people with disabilities. This type of support will continue in future, SASA officials announced.
SASA donates New Year’s presents for children and packages to socially vulnerable citizens
In keeping with Sasa’s annual custom, the, through its Foundation for Support of Sustainable Development, has again presented all children in the kindergarten and primary schools in Makedonska Kamenica and the settlement of Sasa with New Year’s gifts. In addition, a total of 132 socially vulnerable individuals and families received packages of food and hygiene products to help them throughout the festive period. – With this tradition we want to enable all members of our community and of course the youngest to feel the joy of the upcoming holidays. We want to congratulate all our fellow citizens on the upcoming holidays and wish them good health, happiness and much success in the coming year. As always, we must express our gratitude to our dedicated employees who are key in ensuring success for SASA and for all of us, said the sustainability director at SASA Mine, Ivica Talevski. The Mayor of the Municipality, Dimcho Atanasovski expressed his delight that this year SASA mine continues with the tradition of New Year donation which despite the challenges created by the pandemic, brought joy to children and will help socially vulnerable families to welcome the holidays in a good mood. -I want to thank SASA for making this possible and once again showing that it is a company that cares and contributes to the well-being of the whole community,” Atanasovski said. As a sign of gratitude, SASA provided New Year gifts to the emergency medical teams, the fire brigade and the police in Makedonska Kamenica, as well as to the employees of the mine who will be at work on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, all SASA employees, in addition to the regular salary, are rewarded with a New Year’s salary supplement and special gifts.
SASA continues to support the sustainability of fish stock in Lake Kalimanci
Makedonska Kamenica, 26.11.2021 – Thanks to the financial support provided by SASA Mine, the Association of Fishermen – Sports Club “Sharan” conducted an action for renewal and replenishment of the fish stock in Lake Kalimanci. As part of the latest action, stocking of the lake with about 1500 kilograms of carp fish was carried out today, and an additional stocking of about 500 kilograms was announced, which will be carried out in the coming period. The latest stocking of the lake was carried out in the presence of representatives from the State Inspectorate for Agriculture, the Food and Veterinary Agency, as well as the SASA Mine. This activity is part of the multi-year cooperation between SASA and the association “Sharan”, through which the mine provides funds for the purchase of fish offspring and stocking of Lake Kalimanci, as well as for the functioning and implementation of the activities of this association. This support is part of the projects that SASA implements continuously, and are intended to support the local community, environmental protection and sustainable development.
At the meeting with the new mayor, SASA reaffirmed its commitment to further community support
SASA Mine, through its Foundation for support the sustainable development will continue with the realization of projects in all areas that have effect on the quality of life of the citizens of the municipality of Makedonska Kamenica and the prosperity of the local community. The support that SASA provides to the community was one of the topics on the first meeting of the SASA management team representatives with the new mayor of Makedonska Kamenica, Dimco Atanasovski. It was stated at the meeting that the good cooperation between SASA Mine and the municipality, which is in the interest of the community and is contributing to securing sustainable development of the mine will continue in the future. “As a generator of the local economic development, SASA Mine has huge influence to the social stability and prosperity to the residents of our municipality and wider in the entire eastern region. Therefore, it is of great importance for it to continue to grow and develop, which will be able to continue to contribute to the development of the entire community. In the fulfilment of its development plans SASA can further count on the cooperation and partnership with the municipality and other local institutions”- said the mayor of Makedonska Kamenica, Dimcho Atanasovski. At this meeting, Mayor Atanasovski, was introduced by the representatives of the management team to the investments in SASA so far in all segments of operations, especially in terms of production, safety and working conditions and welfare of employees, realized by investors – the company Central Asia Metals from London. “In the past four years since Central Asia Metals has become owner of SASA Mine, there have been investments of more than 30 million dollars in modern mine equipment, digitalization, improvement of security, raising the standards and working conditions in the mine, as well as in the professional development and well-being of the employees. A capital programme costing approximately 20 million dollars is currently underway at SASA, which sees us adjust to a more efficient mining method for the future. In this moment we are cooperating with relevant institutions in order to agree on the implementation of the development project, which should ensure a long and prosperous life for the mine. Parallelly, we are continuing with our support to the local community, having recently established our own charitable Foundation in the following areas: community development, education of youth, care for the environment and help for the most vulnerable groups in the community” – said at the meeting with the mayor, General Director of SASA, Scott Yelland. On this occasion, congratulating him on taking office, the representatives of the SASA management team handed over to the Mayor of Makedonska Kamenica a photo from the beginning of the construction of the new decline to the underground operations, which is part of the current development project and will facilitate easier and more efficient access to ore deeper in the mine.
Shahpaska: SASA works with state-of-the-art equipment and according to the best safety standards
The Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Jagoda Shahpaska on October 15, 2021, paid a working visit to the SASA Mine. During the visit she had a meeting with the members of the management and technical team, during which all important aspects of the work of SASA were presented, starting from the production, implementation of investment projects, care for employees, health and safety, working conditions, protection environment and sustainable development, all the way to community support projects. Minister Sahpaska had the opportunity to get directly acquainted with the working process in the mining shaft, where she met with several miners. After getting acquainted with the entire production process at SASA, summarizing the impressions from the visit to the mine, Minister Shahpaska said: “I am pleased to state that the conditions at the SASA mine are indeed in line with world safety standards. “Employees and management have reaffirmed that workplace safety is a top priority for everyone at SASA.” “I wish the employees of SASA who work with truly world-class equipment for work on this type of underground mines much more success and many days without injuries at work,” said Minister Shahpaska at the end of her working visit, greeting “SREKJNO!” To all miners and SASA employees. https://youtube.com/watch?v=JWEg4h-Zqec%3Fautoplay%3D0%26mute%3D0%26controls%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.sasa.com.mk%26playsinline%3D1%26showinfo%3D0%26rel%3D0%26iv_load_policy%3D3%26modestbranding%3D1%26enablejsapi%3D1%26widgetid%3D1
Ivica Talevski, Sustainability Director of SASA, elected President of Macedonian Mining Association
Ivica Talevski, Sustainability Director of SASA Mine, who was unanimously elected new President of the Macedonian Mining Association (MAR) at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia announced development of the mining sector in accordance with the highest principles of environmental protection, support for the community and intensification of cooperation with all relevant partners. In his speech before the members of MAR, Talevski emphasized his vision and priorities for the development of the mining sector, in order to make greater use of the potential of this industry and encourage the local and overall economic development of the country. “The SASA mine I come from is an example of a successful business story based on responsible operation, environmental protection and building strong relationships with the community. These principles are based not only on SASA, but on the entire mining industry, and as President of MAR I will strive for this practice to be the basis for all companies operating in this sector, because there is no doubt that we all have one common goal – sustainable development. But the development of our companies and the whole industry is impossible without the simultaneous development of the community, so I will strive for this relationship to be even more visible to create a success story for both companies and citizens. At the same time, I will try to be a worthy representative of the mining sector and their “voice in society”, said Talevski. Talevski also announced a strategy and a concrete plan to strengthen the confidence in the mining industry that will be implemented in the coming period. Mining is a significant industry branch in the national economy employing over 7,200 people. In the structure of industrial production, this branch has a share of 10.87%. The average salary in this sector is 34.2% higher than the average national salary, which is another confirmation of the importance of this sector. SASA Mine employs about 700 people and is the largest underground ore mining mine in the country and one of the 5 largest lead and zinc mines in Europe. Since November 2017, SASA has been owned by Central Asia Metals – a specialized mining development company based in London, UK, listed on the London Stock Exchange (AIM: CAML). The company continuously implements its rich experience and latest practices in the mining industry at SASA. SASA is the first mine in the region with an A – integrated environmental permit. In addition, the mine operates according to the most modern international management standards (ISO 9001), occupational health and safety (OHSAS 18001), environmental protection (ISO 14001) and laboratory testing (ISO 17025). SASA is among the largest exporters and among the 10 largest companies in terms of taxes paid.
New scholarships for students and postgraduates from SASA Mine
The lead and zinc mine SASA, through its Foundation for Support of Sustainable Development, has committed to provide scholarship funds for eight first year students at the Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences within the University Goce Delchev in Shtip for the 2021/2022 academic year. Five scholarships will be awarded to students of mining, two scholarships to students of geology and one for environmental protection studies. Additionally, this year SASA has also committed to provide four scholarships for postgraduate students at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University St. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje on hydraulic engineering and geotechnical engineering courses. Undergraduate students will receive the Denar equivalent of $350 each semester from SASA while postgraduates will receive $470. SASA will also continue to support the existing student scholarships already in place, allocating more than $10,000 for this purpose annually. “It is our great pleasure to continue to support students furthering their education and knowledge in subject areas relevant to our operations at SASA, and we believe that these scholarships should support and motivate young people to strive for their academic best in their chosen fields. At SASA, 99% of our employees are Macedonian citizens and 90% of those are from our local town, Makedonska Kamenica. We want to do all we can to help young Macedonian people develop their skills so that we at SASA, as well as other local businesses, can provide employment and career opportunities to them for the long term.” said SASA General Director Scott Yelland. The information and criteria required for a SASA scholarship are available on the SASA website (sasa.com.mk) and an application can be made until 5 October 2021. When considering scholarship applications, SASA will give special focus to young people in Makedonska Kamenica and the surrounding areas, as well as those from socially vulnerable families. In addition to the financial support to be provided during studies, SASA will allow the students that it sponsors to become acquainted with and gain initial experience of the operations in a modern mine. Those who achieve the highest results during their studies receive additional points when applying for employment in SASA. All interested candidates for these scholarships can submit their applications by email to contact@sasa-foundation.com or receive additional information by calling this number: 033 279 225.
SASA supports the participation of WFC Kamenica SASA in the UEFA Champions League 2021
SASA Mine General Director Scott Yelland met with members of the Kamenica SASA women’s football team, which is sponsored by SASA, before their departure to Italy where they will play their first match of this year’s UEFA Champions League against Juventus on August 18. “We are happy and extremely proud of the huge success you have achieved by winning the domestic football championship again, which has allowed you to compete with the best teams in the UEFA Champions League for two years in a row. Additionally, we are very proud that this championship team includes the young engineer in SASA Ana Dimitrovska. I am sure that, as before, you and the team will give your best in all the upcoming matches within the championship and win new matches that will bring great joy to all of us in the whole community; you will write a new page in the sports history of the country,” SASA General Director Scott Yelland told the players, emphasizing that SASA will continue to be with them and the team, as before by providing the necessary support for future successes. SASA provides financial support for the women’s football club Kamenica SASA. For this participation in the matches of the Champions League too, SASA provided funds for the purchase of new jerseys and other necessary equipment for the players, as well as to cover the travel expenses of the team.
