Ahead of 28 August – Macedonian Miners’ Day and the joint celebration in Makedonska Kamenica – Sasa Mine is continuing its tradition of recognising its employees for their work, expertise and commitment to the safe and stable operation of the mine. To mark the occasion, all Sasa employees received a financial award in recognition of their efforts, while a total of 121 employees received additional financial awards and commendations for their outstanding contribution to safe and stable production and other activities related to Sasa’s operations.
The “Best Miner” award for 2025/2026 was presented to Dragancho Jovanchov, an underground electrohydraulic drill rig operator, who received a financial award and commemorative gifts. As part of the celebrations, a traditional formal lunch was also organised for all employees.
“Miners’ Day is an opportunity to recognise our employees, whose hard work, knowledge and dedication are vital to the successful operation of Sasa Mine. At the same time, this occasion reminds us of the strong bond between the mine and Makedonska Kamenica. Sasa is not merely a company that operates here; it is part of a community with which it has grown for decades, sharing both its successes and its challenges. We will continue to invest in safe and modern working conditions and create value for everyone, because success is more meaningful when it is shared,” said James Karamatic, General Director of Sasa Mine, extending his congratulations to all miners and employees at Sasa, their families, the residents of Makedonska Kamenica and all employees across the country’s mining industry.
This year’s celebrations take place at a time when the continued modernisation of Sasa Mine remains ongoing. Ahead of the holiday, three new underground trucks were commissioned, contributing to greater operational reliability and transport efficiency. A project designed to improve underground ventilation was also completed. These investments optimise ore transportation, further enhance working conditions and enable the safer execution of underground mining operations.
Significant progress has also been made in the digitalisation of the mine through the introduction of a centralised system for monitoring and managing mining processes. By integrating equipment and monitoring systems, it enables real-time production monitoring, improved equipment control and optimised energy consumption.
These projects form part of the total investment in Sasa Mine, which has exceeded US$120 million since Central Asia Metals (CAML) acquired Sasa Mine in November 2017. These funds have been invested in modern mining equipment, the digitalisation of technological processes, capital projects to modernise mining methods, increase efficiency and minimise the environmental impact, as well as improvements in safety, standards and working conditions at the mine and in the professional development and education of employees.
Reaffirming its longstanding support for the local community, Sasa Mine is once again the principal sponsor and partner of several activities marking Miners’ Day and the dual celebration in Makedonska Kamenica, including the main three-day cultural and music programme held in the town square.
Makedonska Kamenica, 27 August 2026
