The Minister of Energy, Mining and Minerals, Sanja Bozhinovska visited Sasa, the country’s largest underground lead and zinc mine. During her meeting with representatives of the Sasa management team, Minister Bozhinovska was briefed on the operations of Sasa, its investments in sustainable development, and the mine’s significance and contribution to the prosperity of the local community.
During her visit to Sasa, Minister Bozhinovska also toured the underground mining areas and the new facilities, which are part of a series of significant capital investments designed to transform Sasa and ensure stable operations in the coming years.
“Sasa Mine is an important part of the economic structure of our country. Supporting these projects is key to sustainable development and improving the living conditions of the local community. As a minister, my goal is to support mining practices that are sustainable and safe and to highlight the importance of innovation in mining. With the support of modern technologies, we aim to create mining that is both safe and sustainable,” stated Minister of Energy, Mining, and Minerals, Sanja Bozhinovska.
To date, total investments in the capital projects, as well as the acquisition of modern mining equipment, digitalisation of technical processes, improvements in safety standards and working conditions in the mine, and professional development and education of employees, have amounted to $80 million.
Sasa’s General Manager, Christopher Colbournе, said: “This visit by Minister Bozhinovska, who oversees an exceptionally important sector, holds special significance for us at Sasa. It is part of our overall communication and cooperation with official institutions at the central and local levels, which is vital for Sasa’s continued success and should be carried out in a fair and transparent manner. This will enable us to implement our investment plans and projects for safe, environmentally responsible and stable operation of Sasa in the years to come. In this way, Sasa will be able to continue on its path of success in the future, ensuring the well-being of its employees and their families, supporting the local community and contributing to the overall prosperity of the country.”
The Sasa lead and zinc mine is the largest underground mine in North Macedonia, directly employing approximately 770 people, most of whom are residents of the local community. Since November 2017, Sasa has been part of Central Asia Metals, an international mining company quoted on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (AIM: CAML). In its operations, Sasa implements the best international industrial practices and standards for quality management, environmental protection, and occupational health and safety. Over the past six years, Sasa’s successful operations have enabled the mine to pay over $85 million in various taxes, supporting national and municipal development, and improving the quality of life for people across the country. Additionally, through its Foundation for sustainable development, Sasa annually invests additional funds in the local community, supporting education, science, environmental protection, healthcare, sports and vulnerable social groups.
Makedonska Kamenica, 25 January 2025
