Skopje, 26 December 2024 (MIA) -  The Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources said that as of January 1, 2025, it will start collecting up to 100 percent increased fees for the exploitation of natural resources, so as to bring order in the use of national resources and fair collection practices.

"With the amendments to the Tariff for establishing the amount of fees for issuing permits and concessions for conducting detailed geological explorations and concessions for the exploitation of mineral resources, fees for mineral resources are increased by up to 100 percent, which will also mean a significant increase in revenue for the state. The Ministry's proposal for increasing the fees has been adopted by the Government and published in the Official Gazette, with the new Tariff starting to apply as of January 1," the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources said in a press release. 

For use of exploitation area, the fee is up by about 30 percent, for exploitation of marble, the fee will stand at 5 percent of the income from sold mineral resource. For metallic mineral resources, instead of the current 2 percent, the fee increases to 4 percent, and for non-metallic mineral resources, the increase is on average over 100 percent. 

The Ministry notes that the changes "do not affect fees for energy minerals, such as coal, in order to prevent further increases in the price of electricity."

According to the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, the measure will significantly increase annual revenue from concession fees, which currently stands at around EUR 10 million, and the funds will be aimed at improving public services and supporting economic development.

"The latest changes ensure fair payment for the use of our national treasures, protect sustainable development, and guarantee benefits for all – both for the state and the private sector," said Energy Minister Sanja Bozhinovska. 

The Ministry adds that this decision was made in line with a detailed analysis of regional and global practices, as well as recommendations from the State Audit Office.

"The April 2024 report notes that concession fees in Macedonia are the lowest in the region, which prompted the need for changes. The Ministry remains committed to fair management of natural resources and strengthening the economic benefits from their exploitation," reads the press release. 

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources