SASA Mine hosts traditional mini-football tournament 2026: Promoting team spirit and community in Makedonska Kamenica
Organized by SASA Mine, the annual mini-football tournament “SASA Mine 2026” will take place from 2 April to 4 May 2026, bringing together teams composed of the mine’s employees for a month of friendly competition. The tournament has become a well-established sports tradition in Makedonska Kamenica, promoting team spirit, fair play and camaraderie among employees, while also strengthening connections with the local community. As in previous years, matches will be held at the Sports Hall “St. Cyril and Methodius” in Makedonska Kamenica. The official opening of the tournament is scheduled for Thursday, 2 April 2026, at 18:30. This year, eight teams will compete in the tournament: Rudnik-Transport, Horizont 990, Horizont 910, Horizont 800-Capital Projects, Flotation, Technical Services, Mechanical Maintenance-Epiroc and Electrical Maintenance. SASA Mine extends an open invitation to all citizens to attend, enjoy the matches and support their favourite teams. The organizers have ensured professional conditions for the tournament, with official referees Goran Gocevski and Sasho Micevski, as well as medical support provided by Dr. Darko Petrovski, to ensure the safety and fairness of all matches. The “SASA Mine 2026” football tournament is not only a sporting event, but also a reflection of the strong bond between Sasa and the local community, and reflects the company’s commitment to fostering a positive and active working and social environment. Makedonska Kamenica, 01 April 2026
Sasa Mine launches the eco campaign “Your Care for the Planet is Worth x2”
To mark Global Recycling Day on 18 March – Sasa Mine, in cooperation with the waste management company Pakomak and the Municipality of Makedonska Kamenica, has launched the socially responsible eco campaign “Your Care for the Planet is Worth x2”. The initiative is designed to encourage recycling and elevate environmental awareness among employees and the local community. The campaign will run until 22 April – Earth Day. During this period, every plastic bottle or can deposited in one of the three reverse vending machines installed at Sasa Mine and in Makedonska Kamenica, will receive two ‘green points’, double the number awarded until now. Participants will be able to redeem the collected ‘green points’ for various benefits, including discount vouchers for supermarkets, donations and other incentives. Through this initiative, Sasa Mine aims to further motivate its employees and the residents of Makedonska Kamenica to actively participate in recycling, contribute to reducing plastic waste and protect the environment. “Environmental protection is an integral part of our long-term commitments and our responsibility to the community in which we operate. With the campaign ‘Your Care for the Planet is Worth x2’, we hope to encourage people in a simple and practical way to take part in recycling and to demonstrate that every initiative can have a significant positive impact on nature. We believe that through such joint initiatives we can build an even stronger culture of responsible behaviour towards the environment,” said Marija Stojanovska, Head of Environmental Protection Department. In recent years, Sasa Mine has continuously implemented similar eco initiatives in partnership with the local community, schools and civil society organisations, all aimed at promoting environmental awareness and encouraging active care for nature. The campaign ‘Your Care for the Planet is Worth x2’ is part of the Sasa Mines broader programme focused on environmental protection, sustainable development and improving the quality of life in the local community, which represents an important pillar of Sasa Mine’s long-term sustainability strategy. Makedonska Kamenica, 18 March 2026
Sasa Mine continues its long-standing tradition of holiday support for employees and the local community
During the New Year and Christmas holiday period, continuing its long-standing tradition of care and solidarity, Sasa Mine, both independently and through its Foundation, implemented a series of activities aimed at bringing holiday cheer and tangible support to its employees and the wider local community in Makedonska Kamenica. As part of these traditional holiday initiatives, 57 blankets were provided for the beneficiaries of the Day Centre for persons with special needs and for members of the “PORAKA” Association in Makedonska Kamenica. In addition, in co-operation with the municipality, food packages were donated to 220 socially vulnerable families in the local community, providing significant assistance to those most in need during this period of the year. As in previous years, special attention was also dedicated to the youngest members of the community. The Sasa Foundation provided 160 New Year gift packages for children attending the “Bambi” kindergarten, as well as 431 gift packages for pupils of the “Cyril and Methodius” primary school in Makedonska Kamenica. The gift packages included products from Makprogres from Vinica, whose production facility was affected by a fire several months ago, as a gesture of solidarity and support for the company’s recovery following the incident. Continuing its established holiday tradition of appreciation and respect, Sasa Mine also provided gifts and a festive dinner for the on-duty teams of the emergency medical services, the fire brigade and the police, as well as for Sasa Mine employees who worked on New Year’s Eve. In addition to the activities aimed at supporting the local community, all Sasa Mine employees received a holiday bonus as part of their salary, along with an appropriate holiday gift, as a token of gratitude for their dedication, responsibility and professional commitment throughout the year. “These activities are part of a tradition that Sasa Mine has nurtured for many years as a responsible member of the community. Despite the challenges we faced during the year, the mine found the strength and the means to continue investing in people—both in our employees and in the community where we live and work. We believe that during the holiday season, solidarity and care carry a special significance,” said the management of the Sasa Mine, extending holiday greetings to all employees and members of the community, with wishes for good health, success and happiness. Through these traditional holiday initiatives, Sasa Mine and its Foundation once again reaffirm their long-term commitment to the well-being of employees and to supporting the local community. Makedonska Kamenica, 8 January 2026
Sasa Mine’s “Super Good Deeds” campaign inspired children in Makedonska Kamenica to become eco-champions
From 22 to 31 October 2025, Sasa Mine, in cooperation with the “Bambi” kindergarten, the “St. Cyril and Methodius” primary school and the Day Centre for people with special needs in Makedonska Kamenica, implemented the eco campaign “Super Good Deeds”, aimed at the youngest members of the community. Through fun and educational activities, the campaign encouraged children to learn more about recycling, environmental protection, social responsibility and empathy. As part of the eco campaign, children aged 4 to 6 from the “Bambi” kindergarten, pupils from 1 to 5 grade of the “St. Cyril and Methodius” primary school and users of the Day Centre for people with special needs — guided by their teachers and assistants — recycled plastic bottles using the vending machine installed in the town, donated by Sasa Mine Foundation. For every recycled bottle, they earned points which were converted into donations for people at the Day Centre. As a token of appreciation for their participation, the children received symbolic gifts — eco bags and tickets for the educational theatre performance with an environmental message “Martian Picnic”, staged at the Cultural Centre in Makedonska Kamenica. Filled with humour, music and interactive play, the performance creatively introduced the young audience to recycling and caring for our planet Earth. “With this eco campaign, we aimed to show that every small good deed creates a big change, for the community and the environment. We’re especially happy that through play and fun we engaged children in learning about recycling and solidarity,” said Marija Stojanovska, Head of the Environmental Department at Sasa Mine. The “Super good deeds” eco campaign part of a series of socially responsible activities carried out by Sasa Mine as part of its long-term strategy for the environment, sustainable development and support of the local community. Makedonska Kamenica, 1 November 2025
Jamie Karamatic is the new General Director of Sasa Mine
As of 19 September, Jamie Karamatic officially assumed the role of General Director of Sasa, the lead and zinc mine located in Makedonska Kamenica. He succeeds Chris Colbourne, who was promoted to Chief Operating Officer for the Central Asia Metals (CAML) group earlier this year. Jamie Karamatic is an accomplished mining engineer with over 20 years of international experience in both underground and open-pit mining operations. He brings substantial technical expertise and a strong operational focus, developed through leadership roles in various mining projects around the world. For instance, in a company in Saudi Arabia, he led the technical functions across six mines, significantly improving operational performance. As technical services manager in a company in Australia, he headed a team of over 30 engineers, geologists and surveyors managing three underground copper mines. He also served as general manager of operations for a company managing several underground mines and ore processing plants, also in Australia. As General Director of Sasa mine, Mr. Karamatic will be responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of Sasa, ensuring the achievement of both short and long-term strategic goals, built on safe, efficient and sustainable production. Among other duties, he will also be responsible for overseeing the final implementation of Sasa’s Capital Projects and the continued transition to new mining methods aimed at further development and technological advancement of the mine. “I’m truly impressed with everything I’ve seen so far at Sasa, from the professionalism, expertise and dedication of the team, to the results achieved in safety, working conditions and employee well-being, as well as the overall technological progress and environmental commitment. My first impression is extremely positive. I believe Sasa is in an excellent position to continue on its path of sustainable growth, and I’m confident that through joint efforts with the Sasa team and the support we receive from CAML, we will continue to enhance our operations in a way that creates value for all – employees, investors, business partners, the local community and the national economy,” said Jamie Karamatic following his appointment. Mr. Karamatic is well-acquainted with the region, with family roots originating from Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition to his successful professional career, he is a passionate long-distance cyclist, fisherman, and a devoted father of two sons. Makedonska Kamenica, 22 September 2025
Sasa Mine marks Miners’ Day with employee awards and community donations
On the occasion of 28 August, Macedonian Miners’ Day and the local holiday of Makedonska Kamenica, Sasa Mine continues its long-standing tradition of honouring the work and dedication of its employees, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting the local community’s prosperity. This year, all 790 employees of Sasa received appropriate gifts and cash awards. Continuing the tradition, the “Best Miner” recognition was presented to Darko Velinovski, who also received a special financial reward and a suitable gift. In addition to best miner Sasa leadership recognised another 121 employees with individual cash awards. Of the 121 awards, 16 were for employees’ contributions to workplace safety and environmental protection and 105 were for outstanding contributions to the safe and stable operations of the mine. As part of the activities marking the holiday, Sasa Mine, through its Foundation, also provided financial support for two key community projects. The Territorial Firefighting Unit of Makedonska Kamenica received protective equipment sets fully compliant with safety standards. Additionally, funds were invested in the full reconstruction of part of the sanitary facilities at the “Bambi” kindergarten in Makedonska Kamenica, significantly improving the conditions for the children attending the institution. “Our employees are the heart of Sasa. Their dedication, professionalism and commitment to safety are fundamental to the success of our operations. The awards we present on Miners’ Day are a symbolic recognition of their daily efforts. At the same time, we firmly believe that Sasa’s development is inseparably linked to the progress of the community in which we operate, and we remain fully committed to supporting the municipality and its citizens,” said Christopher Colbourne, General Director of Sasa. He extended his congratulations to all Sasa employees and the wider mining industry in North Macedonia, as well as his best wishes to all residents of Makedonska Kamenica for health and success in all areas of life. As in previous years, Sasa is the main sponsor and partner of all locally organised events, including the central three-day cultural and music programme held at the town square to celebrate Miners’ Day and the local holiday of the Municipality of Makedonska Kamenica. Makedonska Kamenica, 27 August 2025
Sasa Mine Marks World Environment Day with Community-Led Initiatives
To mark World Environment Day – this year themed around tackling plastic pollution – Sasa Mine launched three important activities to promote environmental awareness and community action. On this occasion, Sasa Mine donated an automatic reverse-vending machine – the first of its kind in the municipality of Makedonska Kamenica – which will allow citizens to easily contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. To celebrate the installation of the machine, educational activities involving young people from the local community were organised, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of recycling and sustainable development. Plastic Recycling, Made Easy The innovative reverse-vending machine, located in a high-traffic area in the town centre, enables residents and visitors of Makedonska Kamenica to deposit used plastic bottles that are then processed and sent for recycling. At the same time, each deposited bottle earns “green points,” redeemable for benefits and discounts on various products and services. This concept is designed to promote responsible behavior and contribute to reducing plastic waste in urban areas. “Today’s donation is part of Sasa Mine’s broader commitment to environmental protection and strengthening local ecological awareness. The vending machine is not just a device – it is a tool for change – raising awareness and enabling action to reduce plastic waste, one of today’s biggest global environmental risks. Through initiatives like this, and others we implement continuously, we aim to send a strong message as a company about the need for joint action toward a more sustainable future,” said Ivica Talevski, Sustainability Director at Sasa Mine. The Mayor of Makedonska Kamenica, Dimcho Atanasovski, expressed his gratitude for the donation, highlighting that the partnership with Sasa Mine is an example of successful collaboration between institutions and businesses in making long-term improvements for the community. “This donation will not only contribute to a cleaner environment but will also help build habits for responsible handling of plastic waste. We encourage the community to actively use the vending machine and to join efforts to reduce waste. I am confident this initiative will inspire other municipalities and companies to invest in green solutions,” said Mayor Atanasovski. Eco-Bazaar: Turning Waste into Resources As part of the World Environment Day celebration, together with the municipal primary school “St. Cyril and Methodius,” Sasa Mine organised an Eco-Bazaar entitled “We Re-use, We Preserve Nature.” At the stands set up in the school yard, numerous students from the school, children from the kindergarten, and users from the Day Centre for People with Special Needs showcased creative items made from recycled materials, which they created together with the Sasa Mine environmental protection team. The aim of this activity was to encourage youth initiative and to demonstrate how waste can be turned into a resource through innovation, art and responsible environmental behaviour. Proceeds from the items sold will be donated to support the Day Centre for People with Special Needs in Makedonska Kamenica. Youth Voices for Nature Ahead of World Environment Day, Sasa Mine hosted a Youth Open Forum that brought together young employees from SASA Mine, local students from the University “Goce Delchev” in Štip, and Day Centre users in Makedonska Kamenica. The forum served as a platform for dialogue, to share ideas and to propose concrete actions which young people can take to protect the environment. Through these activities, Sasa Mine continues to show that caring for the environment is not just a responsibility, but a long-term commitment to empowering communities, collaboration and protecting the planet for future generations. Makedonska Kamenica, June 5, 2025
Sasa Mine Invests in a new Early Warning System for natural disasters
The Director of the Crisis Management Center (CMC), Stojanche Angelov, and the General Director of Sasa Mine, Christopher Colbourne, have signed an agreement outlining the procedures for cooperation, coordination, and communication between CMC and the mine. With this, the new early warning system at Sasa Mine has officially become part of the national alarm system. In addition to other technical components, the new early warning system at Sasa includes sound devices (sirens) installed at several strategic locations determined through an expert study. Its primary goal is to use audible signals to timely notify everyone, including residents of the settlements near the mine and those living along the Kamenicka River and in the town of Makedonska Kamenica, of potential risks from natural disasters and other hazards that could threaten human life, health, and material assets. To ensure the system’s reliability, periodic testing of the sirens is planned, which will be conducted according to established protocols and in coordination with the CMC. Residents of Makedonska Kamenica municipality will be timely informed through the media and other communication channels about the timing and duration of these tests. “We have witnessed that Sasa Mine has invested significantly in modern equipment and the implementation of the best industrial standards and practices to reduce the risks of incidents and crisis situations that could endanger the lives, health, and safety of employees and the surrounding population. The new early warning system at Sasa, which officially becomes part of the national alarm system today, is certainly part of these company efforts, which are commendable and represent a good example that other companies and institutions in the country should follow,” said CMC Director Stojanche Angelov during his visit to EWS control center at Sasa. The Mayor of Makedonska Kamenica, Dimcho Atanasovski, welcomed the installation of the new system, highlighting its preventive role in enhancing the safety of the entire local community. “We are proud that our municipality is the first in the country to have a functional early warning system for natural disasters. Together with the fire watchtower, which was recently built and put into operation, this system will enable early detection of potential risks to the safety of people and property – which, in many cases, is crucial in dealing with crisis situations caused by various natural disasters,” emphasized Mayor Atanasovski. He also expressed his gratitude to the Sasa Mine for its support and investment in the implementation of these important projects. The installation of the alarm system at Sasa aligns with the implementation of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), created by the International Council on Mining and Metals and the United Nations Environment Program. This reflects the company’s ultimate goal of achieving zero harm to people and the environment. “This modern, early warning system is just one of the many activities and projects we have invested in to ensure the highest level of safety, which is the number one priority at Sasa. Caring for people, their safety and well-being -along with environmental protection and the prosperity of the local community, form the foundation of our sustainable development. That is why at Sasa, with the support of the Central Asia Metals (CAML) group, to which we belong, we will continue to implement such initiatives, consistently adhering to national regulations, global best practices in responsible mining,” stated the General Director of Sasa Mine, Christopher Colbourne. Since joining the Central Asia Metals (CAML) in November 2017, Sasa Mine has invested over $80 million in modern mining equipment, digitalisation of technical processes, execution of capital projects, safety improvements, raising standards and improved working conditions in the mine, as well as in the professional development of employees, thus confirming its commitment to sustainable mining. Makedonska Kamenica, March 28, 2025
The Sasa Foundation Announces a call for Participation in the Accelerator Programme: “Start Your Business Adventure in Makedonska Kamenica”
The Sasa Foundation is launching a new initiative to promote the creation and acceleration of small sustainable businesses in the Makedonska Kamenica area. With this initiative the Sasa Foundation is announcing an open call for participation in the Accelerator Programme: “Start Your Business Adventure in Makedonska Kamenica.” The Sasa Foundation is inviting applications for its Business Acceleration Programme, designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs from Makedonska Kamenica. The initiative provides free training and mentoring, designed to develop the knowledge and skills of participants, thereby helping to establish sustainable businesses and stimulate economic growth in the region. Participants will benefit from comprehensive training in business and financial planning, including guidance on securing funding and implementing effective marketing strategies. Following the training, participants will also benefit from individual mentoring sessions with industry experts to help address any specific business challenges. The programme culminates a business plan competition, where participants can compete for financial support of 5,000 to 20,000 EUR. The grant programme will enable individuals, businesses, and NGOs to start new ventures, expand their resources, hire employees, and scale their operations faster than they might be able to do solely with their own funds. More information about the programme, including the application form, can be found on the Sasa Mine website via the following link: Акцелераторска Програма Makedonska Kamenica, February 21, 2025
Fifth consecutive salary increase at Sasa Mine in the past three years
Despite all challenges related to rising operational costs and the volatility of global lead and zinc prices, approximately 790 employees at the Sasa Mine will once again receive higher salaries this year. The management team of Sasa has decided on a new salary increase of 10% of the base salary. This is the fifth consecutive increase in the past three years, which will take effect with the payment of the January salary. Together with the previous four increases, salaries at Sasa have risen by over 40% compared with their level before 2022. With this latest increase, Sasa has managed to maintain the positive difference between its salaries and the national average salary, a benchmark established after the entry of the Central Asia Metals (CAML) company into Sasa in 2017. Namely, with this increase, salaries at Sasa remain significantly higher than the national average and are also higher than the salaries of employees in all other mining companies in the country. At the same time, data show that from 2017 to date, salaries at Sasa have increased by more than 100%, while during the same period, according to official data from state institutions, the overall cost of living in the country has risen by about 40%. This demonstrates that with its salary increases to date, Sasa has successfully protected and enhanced the well-being of its employees despite rising prices and living costs in the country. “Despite the volatility of lead and zinc prices that we have faced in recent years, the continuous increase in operational costs, and the significant investments we are making to extend Sasa’s lifespan, we have still found a way to implement a substantial salary increase for our employees this year. We hope that this will serve as additional motivation for our employees, positively impacting the productivity and overall performance of the Sasa Mine, which are essential for its continued sustainable development and ensuring job security,” said Christopher Colbourne, Sasa General Director. Union representatives operating in Sasa have also been informed of all relevant data regarding Sasa’s operations, including the latest salary increase decision. Makedonska Kamenica, 11 February 2025
