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
