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
