Skopje, 27 August 2025 (MIA) -- At a ceremony Wednesday held to mark Macedonian Miners Day, Aug. 28., Minister of Energy, Mining and Minerals Sanja Bozhinovska awarded 13 miners for their hard work, the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Minerals said in a press release. 

Minister Bozhinovska gave awards to Strasho Maneski, who has worked almost 40 years in the Brod-Gneotino coal mine; Sasho Gilanov, who works in the Suvodol coal mine; and Zlatko Pazheski, who works in the Sivec dolomitic marble quarry.

Awards were also given to Dejan Tonevski, who works in the Zletovo lead and zinc mine; Dragoljub Dimitrovski, who works in the Toranica lead and zinc mine; Darko Velinovski, who works in the SASA lead and zinc mine; and Toni Gjorgiev, who works in the Borov Dol copper mine.

Gelberim Dumani, Sherif Aliu, Ace Manevski, Zoran Stojchev, Branko Gjorgiev and Sasho Trenchevski, all of whom work in the mining industry, received awards, as well.

In her speech at the ceremony, Bozhinovska said miners were the foundation of the economy and an irreplaceable force for development and energy stability.

"Your work is your life calling, and not merely a profession. This is why it is the state's duty to provide you with better conditions, higher safety and modern equipment," she said, adding that the mining industry needed to abide by the laws.

She said the authorities had intensified inspections and had revoked 45 concessions held by companies that violated regulations in the last year. 

"The state will support every company investing in miners' safety," Bozhinovska said, adding that it was also important to protect the environment and local communities from mining pollution.

"But for those who think Macedonia is a place where the rules don't apply, I have a clear message: The time of compromises is over. The law applies to everyone, no exceptions," she said. mr/