Дваесет години од рестартирањето: Рудник Саса продолжува да инвестира во луѓето и локалната заедница
Through a series of activities and donations aimed at supporting the local community, Sasa Mine today (12 June 2026) marks an important milestone – 20 years since the restart of the mine. The activities and donations implemented as part of the anniversary celebrations are yet another confirmation of Sasa Mine’s long-term commitment to the development, well-being and prosperity of the community and the country in which it operates. As part of the celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the restart, 20 new trees will be planted in the “Mladost” Park in Makedonska Kamenica, a park that was previously developed with the support of Sasa Mine. A drone, together with specialised training for its use, was donated to the Territorial Firefighting Unit of Makedonska Kamenica to support the early detection of forest fires and fires in difficult-to-access areas. In addition, complete sports kits, including jerseys and shorts, were provided for all youth categories of the three local sports clubs. Donations were also made in the form of new books for the local library, metal storage cabinets for the Day Care Centre for People with Disabilities, cabinets for the cultural and artistic society “Vera Jocikj”, and computers for the local secondary school. Additional donations have also been agreed for the kindergarten and primary school in Makedonska Kamenica, based on their identified needs. “Today’s anniversary is not only an opportunity to reflect on an important chapter in the history of Sasa Mine, but also to thank the people and the community who have been, and continue to be, part of our story. The mine and the community have always been closely linked, sharing both challenges and successes. That is why, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the restart, we wanted to demonstrate through tangible support and activities that our commitment to the local community remains strong and long-term. We are proud of everything that has been achieved over the past two decades and remain focused on safe, responsible and sustainable operations for the benefit of our employees, their families and the wider community,” said James Karamatic, General Director of Sasa Mine. The 20th anniversary carries strong symbolism. Following the closure of the mine in 2003, Makedonska Kamenica and the wider region experienced three difficult years marked by uncertainty, job losses and serious concerns about the future of the local community. The restart of Sasa on 12 June 2006 marked the beginning of a new period of hope and development. In the years that followed, and particularly after the international mining group Central Asia Metals (CAML) acquired Sasa in 2017, the mine underwent significant transformation and modernisation. During this period, more than US$100 million has been invested in modern equipment, new technologies, mine development, safety improvements, environmental protection and employee development. Major capital projects have also been completed as part of this investment, enabling Sasa to become one of the most modern mines in the region today. At the same time, over the past several years, Sasa Mine has directly invested significant funds in supporting people and developing the local community. Through the Sasa Foundation, as well as through numerous corporate social responsibility initiatives, a large number of projects have been supported in the fields of education, healthcare, social welfare, sports, culture, environmental protection, entrepreneurship and local economic development. This year carries additional significance for Sasa Mine, as alongside the 20th anniversary of the restart, November will also mark 60 years since the mine’s official start of operations. Throughout these six decades, Sasa has played a key role in the economic and social development of Makedonska Kamenica, the eastern region and the country. Today, it is a modern mining operation, working in accordance with the highest international standards of safety, responsibility and sustainability. Makedonska Kamenica, 12 June 2026
Рудник Саса го одбележа Светскиот ден на животната средина со иницијатива за биодиверзитет и климатска акција
Sasa Mine marked World Environment Day 2026 on 5 June by implementing a new educational and environmental initiative under the slogan “Biodiversity Buddies – Nature & Climate Guardians” (#3BBuddies; #BeesBugsBirdsGuardians; #SasaForNature; #WorldEnvironmentDay), aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of biodiversity, nature conservation and the need for climate action. Through this initiative, Sasa Mine officially joined the global observance of World Environment Day, which this year includes over 2,200 events and activities worldwide dedicated to environmental protection and climate action. The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Public Enterprise “National Forests” and the secondary school “Mile Janevski Dzingar” from Makedonska Kamenica, aimed to engage young people through practical activities and education in protecting the natural values of the Osogovo Mountains, parts of which are designated as a protected area. As part of the project, secondary school students, together with Sasa Mine’s environmental team and representatives from vocational education programmes, built bird houses and shelters (“hotels”) for beneficial insects and wild bees using natural and reusable materials. On World Environment Day, students participated in an outdoor learning activity in a forest area of the Osogovo Mountains. During this outdoor class, representatives from Sasa’s environmental team, their geography teacher and representatives from the Public Enterprise “National Forests” introduced the students to the significance of World Environment Day, current climate challenges, the need for climate action and the importance of biodiversity conservation. Students also had the opportunity to learn more about the natural values of the Osogovo Mountains, including specific plant and animal species, important habitats and the unique relationship between people and nature in this area. The activities concluded with the installation of the previously built bird houses and insect and wild bee shelters at suitable locations within the forest area, selected by representatives of the Public Enterprise “National Forests”. “We believe that environmental protection begins with education, personal example and the active involvement of young people. Through initiatives such as this, we aim to encourage greater awareness of the connection between biodiversity, climate change and the responsible management of natural resources,” stated representatives of Sasa Mine. The mine representatives emphasized that this initiative is just one of many activities that Sasa continuously implements to promote environmental awareness, support the local community and encourage shared responsibility for environmental protection. Over the past several years, more than USD 100 million have been invested in Sаsa Mine to modernise its operations, including capital development. These investments have enabled Sasa Mine to operate more efficiently, safely and in a more environmentally responsible manner, through a structured environmental protection system aligned with legal requirements, best available techniques and the latest international standards in the mining industry. Makedonska Kamenica, 5 June 2026
Рудник САСА со нова иницијатива за заштита на биодиверзитетот и климатска акција
On the occasion of 5 June, World Environment Day 2026, Sasa mine is launching a new educational and environmental initiative under the slogan “Biodiversity Buddies – Nature & Climate Guardians” (#3BBuddies; #BeesBugsBirdsGuardians; #SASAForNature; #WorldEnvironmentDay). The initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity, nature conservation and the need for climate action. The project, implemented in partnership with the Public Enterprise “National Forests” and the secondary school “Mile Janevski Dzingar” from Makedonska Kamenica, seeks to engage young people through practical activities and education in protecting the natural values of the Osogovo Mountains, parts of which are designated as a protected area. The project will be implemented in two connected phases. The first activity begins today (20 May 2026) at Sasa mine’s “Annabella” Training Centre, where students from the secondary school, together with Sasa’s environmental team and representatives for vocational education, builds bird houses and shelters (“hotels”) for beneficial insects and wild bees. The bird houses and shelters will be made from natural and reusable materials, promoting sustainable practices and supporting local biodiversity. The second phase of the initiative will take place on World Environment Day – 5 June – when students will participate in an outdoor learning activity in a forest area of the Osogovo Mountains near Sasa mine. During this outdoor class, representatives from Sasa’s environmental team, their biology teacher and representatives from PE “National Forests” will introduce students to the importance of World Environment Day, current climate challenges, the need for climate action and the importance of biodiversity conservation. As part of the activities, students will also learn about the natural values of the Osogovo Mountains, including specific plant and animal species, important habitats and the unique relationship between people and nature in this area. The event will conclude with the installation of the previously built bird houses and insect and wild bee hotels at suitable locations within the forest area, selected by representatives of PE “National Forests”. Through this initiative, Sasa mine continues to actively contribute to environmental awareness, support for the local community and protection of the region’s natural values, encouraging new generations to take an active role in preserving the environment and climate stability. Makedonska Kamenica, 20 May 2026
Традиционален турнир во мал фудбал на Рудник САСА 2026: Промоција на тимскиот дух и заедништвото во Македонска Каменица
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
Рудник САСА ја започна еко кампањата „Твојата грижа за планетата вреди х2“
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
Рудник САСА и годинава, по традиција, обезбеди празнична поддршка за вработените и локалната заедница
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
Кампањата „Супер добри дела“ на Рудник САСА ги инспирираше децата од Македонска Каменица да станат еко-херои
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
Џејми Караматиќ е новиот генерален директор на Рудник САСА
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
Рудник САСА го одбележува Денот на рударите со награди за вработените и донации за локалната заедница
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
Рудник САСА го одбележа Светскиот ден на животната средина со заеднички активности со заедницата
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
