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The Ministry of Transport and Communications of Republic of North Macedonia has issued a permit to build the Borov Dol mining complex. After obtaining the building permit, the mine will begin construction of the facilities and will start operating in September this year.

Borov Dol will extend the life of the currently operating DOO Bucim to at least 2030. The Borov Dol mine will be beneficial for the local communities in three municipalities: Konche, Shtip and Radovish. These three municipalities will have a share in the exploitation and processing of ore; thereby each municipality will benefit financially on a concession basis.

The new project preserves the jobs of most of the employees currently engaged in Bucim’s operations, and also creates new job opportunities for the residents of the neighboring municipalities. A total of 307 miners are expected to be employed at the new extraction site. The projected life expectancy of the mine is currently estimated at 10 years, with the possibility of further extending the life of the mine.

To minimize the potential environmental impact, the infrastructure development plan uses most of the Bucim’s existing processing and storage facilities, while transporting the extracted ore via a 7 km long covered conveyer belt. To the new ore body, in cooperation with the Macedonian construction company DG Beton AD Skopje, will be built overflow pool from the surface pit, treatment plant, dam and accumulation, administrative building with a canteen and a medical center, a gas station, and road infrastructure will all be built in cooperation with Beton Skopje. The total cost of the Borov Dol project is estimated at €60 million.

“By getting the building permit, we can practically start realizing the construction of the necessary facilities. In this time of economic slowdown, however, we believe we will be able to secure the project’s timing and the Borov Dol mine will start operating as planned in September 2020,” commented Pavel Krivinsky, General Manager of the Borov Dol mine.

Bucim DOO Radovish is donating €50,000 of financial assistance in support of the Republic of North Macedonia’s health system in its fight against COVID-19. Bucim, as a socially responsible enterprise, feels strongly about providing financial support to public health services at this time.

A donation of €40,000 was transferred to the special donor account the Ministry of Health of the Republic of North Macedonia. An additional donation of €10,000 was given to the local health centers in the municipalities of Radovish, Shtip and Strumica.

Bucim has also donated protective equipment (PPE) to health institutions in the municipalities of Radovish and Shtip. Medical protective masks were donated for the protection of the employees at Radovish’s municipal police station, health center and fire service. Equipment was also provided to the employees of JP Plavaja in Radovish, the municipal organization, Red Cross – Radovish, and to healthcare workers at PZU Adora Medik Radovish. 450 medical face masks were donated to local institutions fighting coronavirus and 150 protective suits for the Regional Clinical Hospital in Shtip.

“In this extremely difficult period for all of us and the challenges we face, it is necessary to provide assistance where help is needed with a financial contribution that is extremely important for dealing with and overcoming the crisis quickly. In the Bucim mine, all preventive measures ordered by the competent authorities are being implemented and monitored. As always, the safety and health of our employees is our top priority and the essence of everything we do,” explained Nikolajco Nikolov, Deputy General Director of Bucim.

The Bucim and Borov Dol mines, as socially responsible companies, respond to the needs of society and contribute to the development of the local communities.

As part of its sustainability policy and cultural heritage preservation program, Bucim and Borov Dol helped fund the reconstruction of the St. Prophet Elijah church in Radovish which dates back to the early 19th century. At a donor meeting, organized by the MOC-OA Diocese of Bregalnica, the Bucim and Borov Dol mines donated €7,000 for renovation of the 200 year old church of cultural and historical significance to the region.

“We recognize the importance of contributing to the development of the local community and with our work, we strive to help the community in parallel. Restoration of the church is a long-term, sustainable benefit to the region which preserves a cultural heritage for future generations,” said Nikolajcho Nikolov, Deputy General Manager of Bucim.

Pavel Krivinsky, Manager of Borov Dol commented, “Investing in the community is an integral part of every segment of our business. We are pleased to have joined in supporting this project to preserve the oldest church in Radovish which will benefit the residents of the municipality.”

In celebration of the 98th anniversary of the Economic Chamber of Macedonia, awards and recognitions were presented on February 19, 2020 to the Chamber’s member companies, recognizing their business activities in 2019 as well as their continued contribution to the development of North Macedonia‘s economy.

In honor of the Chamber’s 98th year of operations, Bucim DOO Radovish was awarded the “Award for a Longtime Active Member of the Economic Chamber of Macedonia”. The award, an official recognition of the business community of Bucim mine’s valuable contribution to the development North Macedonia’s economy, was presented to Bucim DOO Radovish Deputy General Manager, Mr. Nikolajcho Nikolov.

“Bucim Mine is constantly striving to contribute to the development of North Macedonia’s economy through its investments and activities. The affirmation of our operations and the mine’s contributions by the business community gives us even greater impetus to continue our work towards investing in and improving North Macedonia’s economy,” commented Nikolajcho Nikolov, Deputy General Manager of Bucim DOO Radovish.

Bucim, as a long-standing member of the Economic Chamber of Macedonia, is actively involved in the work of the Macedonian Mining Association, MAR, as well as that of the Chamber’s working groups.

The event was held on the premises of the Economic Chamber of Macedonia in Skopje, in the presence of representatives of the economy, state institutions and diplomats.

The 2020 Salzburg Festival marks the first season in which Bucim and Solway’s Creative Fellowship project has been integrated into the festival’s Jung&jede*r youth program. This partnership has already been recognized for the benefits which it offers, as Jung&jede*r was shortlisted for the FEDORA Education Prize last week.

Bucim first participated in the Solway Creative Fellowship program in 2016 when its parent company, Solway Investment Group, entered into a partnership with the Salzburg Festival and became the official sponsor of the Salzburg opera camps for children and youth.

Beginning in 2016, Bucim announces a call for applications each fall for young creatives living in Radovish and Konce who would like to further develop their talents, learn English and have the experience of attending an international camp where together with youngsters from all over the world they will stage an opera performance. The program is aimed at broadening the future perspectives of young Macedonians by integrating their national cultural experiences in an international context. Over 60 young talents have participated in the Creative Fellowship program since it first was introduced in North Macedonia.

Last week, the European cultural and philanthropic network, FEDORA, announced that the Salzburg Festival’s Jung&jede*r program has been shortlisted for the Educational Award. FEDORA recognizes innovative projects which encourage the involvement of new and broader audiences while fostering social integration amongst the participants.

“We were thrilled to hear that the program in which Bucim is indirectly involved was shortlisted for its achievements in social integration among the participants. Supporting a project which has been recognized on a pan-European level proves that Bucim is on the right track in its efforts to positively influence sustainable development of the local communities in which the company operates.“commented Nikoljacho Nikolov, Deputy General Manager of Bucim DOO Radovish.

About FEDORA

FEDORA is a European cultural and philanthropic network and initiative that was selected by the European Commission to benefit from its Creative Europe funding program. This funding has allowed the initiative to launch its European Platform in support of artistic innovations in opera and ballet through privately-funded prizes. All FEDORA prizes lead the way in celebrating new talents and ideas in opera and ballet which will shape the future of these art forms.

As a part of the Music Camp Fellowship program for young talents introduced by Bucim’s parent company, Solway Investment Group, in the countries of its operations in cooperation with the world renowned Salzburg Festival, Bucim continues to support creative youth residing in Radovish and Konce.

One of our main goals is to invest in our local communities and their citizens. Bucim’s socially responsible initiatives are aimed at improving the lives of those living in these communities. We help across many different areas of life, including youth education and development, culture, art and sports. Another important aim of Bucim’s social activities is to nurture the next generation of creative talent. We do this by forging links between new talents and established international cultural institutions, as well as by encouraging and sponsoring participation in Solway’s international Music Camp Fellowship program.

Radovish resident Jana Jovanova is ten years old and therefore still too young to audition for the fellowship. Despite her young age, Jana is a well-established participant in music contests and has won numerous awards, first prizes, special awards and laureate titles at national and international competitions, including the Antonio Vivaldi International Competition in Vienna. Jana has received over 20 first prizes and is the youngest ever artist to win the “6th of November Award” for special achievements in culture and art awarded by the Radovish municipality.

Since the start of Jana’s journey to stardom three years ago, Bucim has been supporting her participation in international competitions in which the young pianist has displayed her musical talents. This year, Bucim provided Jana with a digital piano so that she could continue practicing and move forward on her musical journey.

“By supporting young and ambitious talents in our local communities, we stimulate their ability to dream bigger and serve as role models for others. Jana is certainly the best example of a musically gifted young person with huge potential to become a renowned artist. We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide her with a suitable instrument and play at least a small part in an exceptional young individual pursuing her dreams.”- added Nikolajcho Nikolov, Deputy General Manager of Bucim DOO Radovish.

On the eve of the New Year’s and Christmas holidays, Bucim mine presented the youngest members of its local communities with New Year’s/Christmas gifts.

The company has always had a special focus on taking care of the local community. Bucim has been actively implementing a number of socially responsible practices and donations throughout the year, but the year always ends with the particular pleasure of handing out over one thousand carefully-selected Christmas presents.

During the last week of the calendar year, Bucim Mine traditionally celebrates by presenting Christmas gifts to the children of the Aco Karamanov kindergarten, to the daughters and sons of Bucim mine’s employees, to the children living in the Emanuel orphanage, and to those in the Poraka day care center for people with disabilities. The Bucim mine also presented New Year’s presents to the Red Cross Branch Radovish and to the Kudret Jasham Derneghi Turkish Association for humanitarian cultural activities to be distributed to children from socially disadvantaged families from the municipalities of Radovish and Konce.

“The holidays are a great opportunity to create more joy and memorable moments for each of us. This is our traditional New Year’s activity which we gladly continue, and we hope that we’ll continue to contribute to putting smiles on children’s faces at this time of year. ” said Nikolajcho Nikolov, Deputy General Manager of Bucim.

Bucim Mine, as a responsible employer, continuously provides appropriate training for its employees in the field of occupational safety and health in order to expand their knowledge and skills. This leads to a better and safer working environment, as well as improved employee performance by reducing workplace injuries and accidents.

Last week, a training was held on the premises of Bucim mine. The training was led by TECHNOLAB Skopje on an important topic: the use of personal protective equipment in workplaces exposed to chemical hazards. This training was attended by 25 occupational safety professionals from Bucim’s operating units, all of whom passed the occupational safety exam, and 10 external OSH professionals.

Through the use of practical examples and active participation of the training participants, Bucim’s employees were given the opportunity to learn about the dangers and hazards arising from workplaces exposed to chemical hazards, the risks which employees may face, as well as the measures which should be implemented to ensure safe execution of tasks in the workplace.

Occupational safety and health plays an important role in the mine’s operations; therefore, Bucim strives to establish modern, functional and harmonized occupational safety and health systems. Education and training of employees in the field of occupational safety and health are some of the most important factors for occupational safety and health. The Bucim mine strives to provide as much information and knowledge as possible to its employees. The greater the overall awareness, the lower the risk of injury at work. Trainings empower employees to take appropriate, direct action in a given situation. Every employee must know the basic rules of protection which should be adhered in accordance with Bucim’s ongoing commitment and investments in the area of ​​occupational safety and health.

“Bucim follows and abides by the Occupational Safety and Health Act. We continually invest in the health and safety of our employees and strive to create a preventive culture in order to eliminate and manage risks to employees’ safety and health. In this regard, education is indispensable. Education and sharing experiences reinforce our employees’ ability to work properly and safely. For this reason, we pay particular attention to training and our employees’ professional development.“ said Nikolajcho Nikolov, Deputy General Manager of Bucim

The new Borov Dol copper mine continues its development in accordance with the investment plan. 

All preparatory works for construction of the conveyor belt were completed by early December. Preparation of the primary crush site and removal of the overburden are currently in their final stages. 

The second tranche of the investment loan provided by Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje in the amount of EUR 5.5 million was approved and was used to finance construction of the conveyor belt, development of primary crushing equipment, and removal of the overburden. The total cost of the project is estimated as EUR 60 million, with plans to begin construction of the facilities in 2020. 

Borov Dol is expected to begin operations in September 2020. The projected life expectancy of the mine is currently estimated at 10 years, with the possibility of further extending the life of the mine. Borov Dol is expected to produce approximately 4.5 million tonnes of copper ore annually.

The Borov Dol project is replacing the 40 year-old Bucim mine which is currently in the process of closing. The construction and operational plans have been developed to ensure a minimal environmental impact on the neighboring regions, and for the mutual benefit of the employees, investors and residents of the Konche, Radovish and Shtip municipalities. 

To minimize potential environmental impact, the infrastructure development plan uses most of the Bucim’s existing processing and storage facilities, while transporting the extracted ore via a 7 km long covered conveyer belt. This modern engineering solution for ore delivery controls the spread of dust and reduces air pollution to a minimum. This new project preserves the jobs of most of the employees currently engaged in Bucim’s operations, and also creates new opportunities for the residents of Konche, where most of the Borov Dol mine concession is located.

“Our goal is to establish sustainable development at Borov Dol, with a focus on environmental, social and safety standards, thereby contributing to the positive development of mining in the region.” added Pavel Krivinsky, Manager of Borov Dol.

As a socially responsible company, the Bucim mine supports its local communities and is committed to having a positive impact on the communities in which it operates. With the full support of its parent company, Solway Investment Group, the mine has a strong positive impact on society and takes pride in the results of its work.

On August 28, Macedonian Miners’ Day, and also the day on which the Bucim mine celebrated two significant jubilees: 40 years since its opening and 15 years as part of Solway Investment Group, Bucim mine presented the municipalities of Radovis, Shtip and Konce with vouchers which they could use to address some of the municipalities’ needs.

One of the vouchers provided heating to 80 children. The Pchelka facility, part of the kindergarten Vera Ciriviri Trena in Shtip, received a new pallet heating system paid for by the donation from the mine. Heating was a long-standing problem for the kindergarten in Stip.

The municipality of Radovis used its voucher to equip the kindergarten Aco Karamanov in Radovis with power inverters and to purchase multimedia technology for the primary school Kosta Racin in the village Podaresh, Radovish. This investment improved the quality of education which the school is able to offer.

The municipality of Konce used its voucher to procure a communal mechanism to improve the capacity of the municipal public enterprise and the quality of public services, as well as to maintain infrastructure and improve hygiene in the municipality. Through its activities, Solway Investment Group is dedicated to supporting the development of and giving back to the local communities in which it operates.