Skopje, 7 October 2025 (MIA) - First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Izet Mexhiti told a press conference Tuesday the Government has unilaterally terminated the concession contract for the exploitation of limestone from the Lavinchevi site in the village of Strachinci in the Municipality of Gazi Baba, which had been signed with Melkam Inzhinering from Skopje.

Mexhiti said the decision had been made due to “serious shortcomings”.

"The concessionaire failed to meet the minimum exploitation requirement of 20 percent as stipulated in the agreement, which amounts to 25.000 tons annually. In 2022, only 277 tons were extracted, there was no activity in 2023, and just 187 tons in 2024. The activities were frequently interrupted, and legal obligations were not fulfilled. Additionally, the concessionaire did not pay the concession fee for the extracted quantities over the past three years," Mexhiti said.

The Minister said an inspection by the State Inspectorate for Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources confirmed the concessionaire had not fulfilled the agreement and that there had been a long-term halt in activities. “With this decision,” he stressed, “the concession is no longer valid, and all relevant institutions have been notified for further action”.

"This is a clear message that the Government and the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning will not tolerate irresponsible use of natural resources. We will continue to ensure responsible and sustainable management of resources, in the interest of citizens and the public good. The health and safety of citizens come first and this will continue to be the case," Mexhiti said.

Photo: MIA