All posts by : Kristina

Six young students from the municipality of Radovish are becoming the new drivers of environmental change in their community. With the support of the Bucim mine, and in collaboration with the “Kruna Plus” Association, they are launching their first independent and innovative eco-project, aimed at identifying, researching, and addressing environmental challenges in the local area – through the eyes of the youth, for the youth.

The project is designed as a dynamic platform that combines education, field research, creative action, and media expression. The young participants will have the opportunity to learn from experts, work in teams, explore their environment, and produce podcasts, public presentations, and mini-campaigns with a strong message of environmental awareness and responsibility.
The goal is twofold: to raise awareness about environmental issues and to enable young people to become active creators of positive social change.

Through hands-on work and creative activities, the project will allow the youth not only to think critically and analyze specific problems but also to propose realistic, sustainable solutions. In the coming months, they will implement eco-actions, media content, and workshops, contributing to the improvement of local environmental awareness and practices.

“Through this project, we will be able to express ourselves, learn how to work in a team, advocate for our opinions, and grow as individuals,” say the young participants in their introductory video, prepared as a preview of their upcoming activities.

Bucim, as a socially responsible company, actively works toward building a sustainable future by supporting youth initiatives and community-based projects. This project is part of a broader strategy for community engagement, particularly in the fields of environmental protection and civic responsibility.

Kristina Krsteva, Deputy Managing Director for Sustainable Development at Bucim and Borov Dol: “We believe in the potential of young people and know that real change begins with their energy and ideas. Through this project, they will not only be educated but also encouraged to act, propose solutions, and be active contributors within the community. It is our duty as a company to create such opportunities. This initiative gives young people space and support to explore their surroundings, think critically, and propose solutions with the potential to make a positive impact.”

Aleksandar Jashkov, Project Coordinator from the “Kruna Plus” Association: “This is not just a project – it’s a process of transformation. Young people are given the space to think critically, act creatively, and create content that inspires. The collaboration with Bucim allowed us to build a safe and stimulating environment where young people are not only learning – but are also being heard.”

To mark International Children’s Day on June 1, 2025, an educational and creative art workshop was organized at the Borov Dol mine, bringing together 38 children of employees from Bucim and Borov Dol, aged 5 to 10.

Supported by professional local artists Dusan Kocev and Marjancho Krstev, the children had the opportunity to explore their imagination and artistic talents by creating drawings inspired by mining equipment, facilities, and the daily work of their parents. The workshop aimed to help them see the mine not only as a workplace, but as an integral part of their community and a source of creative inspiration.

The workshop was held outdoors, in front of the administrative building of the Borov Dol mine, with the aim of helping children experience the mine not only as their parents’ workplace, but also as a source of inspiration for creative expression.

The artworks created by the young artists will be displayed in the administrative offices of their parents, and several of the pieces will also be included in the art exhibition organized as part of the OPEN CALL FOR YOUNG ARTISTS under the theme “THE FUTURE IS NOW”, led by Creative Fellowship. This initiative invites young people to express their vision of the future through drawing, painting, photography, or digital illustration, with the opportunity to participate in the online exhibition “Ready2Print” and earn a feature in the 2026 special edition notebook.

Statement from Miroslav Petrov, Head of Human Resources – Bucim and Borov Dol: “Through this initiative, we express our sincere commitment to the well-being of employees’ families – creating moments of joy, inspiration, and connection. We encourage children to dream, to express themselves freely and creatively, and their smiles and enthusiasm are our greatest motivation and confirmation that we are on the right path. These very values – care and responsibility – are embedded in our corporate culture, and through our ESG approach, we turn them into concrete and meaningful steps toward a better future.”

Through this activity, Bucim and Borov Dol mines sent a strong message – that investing in the future begins with supporting the youngest today.

On May 26, 2025, DPTU “Bucim” DOOEL Radovish and DPTU “Borov Dol” DOOEL Radovish opened their facilities to 24 high school students from “Kosta Susinov” High School in Radovish as part of the Social Day 2025 initiative. Through this action, the students replaced a school day with a working day, gaining valuable practical experience and volunteer engagement. Their earned daily wages will be allocated for youth projects that the students will implement themselves.

Social Day allowed each student to become familiar with basic work processes, gain insight into the professional demands of various positions within the mines, and understand the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and professionalism. At the same time, their daily wages are directed towards improving learning conditions and fostering creative development — from equipping classrooms to supporting cultural and community-beneficial activities that have a lasting impact on the entire community. Through this experience, young people develop an awareness of the common good and foster a mindset focused on creating projects with real value and significance for their entire community. They learn how individual effort and collective work can generate broader benefits, creating positive changes that transcend a single classroom or generation. By participating in initiatives like this, Bucim and Borov Dol reaffirm their ongoing commitment to supporting young people and fostering community development. These activities are thoughtfully designed to offer valuable experiences for youth while driving positive changes that extend far beyond the immediate community.

Statement from Kristina Krsteva, Deputy Manаging Director for Sustainable Development at Bucim and Borov Dol mines: “We recognized the value of the Social Day initiative four years ago and have since been one of its strongest supporters. We are proud to back this project because it provides young people with the chance to broaden their horizons and gain valuable practical experience. For young people, it is an opportunity to expand their horizons and learn through practical work. For us, it is another way to contribute to creating an environment that fosters new opportunities and sustainable growth, and to invest in the generations that will drive its future progress.”

Bucim and Borov Dol remain dedicated to long-term development, fostering youth engagement, and creating an environment that offers new opportunities for all.

As part of its long-standing commitment to social responsibility and sustainable support for strategically important institutions in the region, DPTU Bucim DOOEL Radovish has completed the donation of a passenger vehicle to the Public Health Institution Clinical Hospital – Shtip.

This donation will enhance the hospital’s logistical and operational capacity, directly contributing to more efficient fieldwork, administrative support, and coordination with other healthcare institutions.

“Strengthening public healthcare capacities is a key element of our mission to invest in the long-term well-being of the community. We remain committed to building partnerships that deliver real and lasting value,” stated Kristina Krsteva, Deputy Managing Director for Sustainable Development of Bucim and Borov Dol Mines, on the occasion of the handover ceremony.

The management of the Clinical Hospital – Shtip expressed sincere appreciation for the donation, emphasizing the importance of such support in improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for the citizens of the Eastern region.

DPTU Bucim DOOEL will continue to support initiatives that contribute to community development and reinforce institutional capacities in areas of public interest.

Radovish, May 16, 2025 – The mineral raw materials production and trading companies DPTU Bucim DOOEL Radovish and DPTU Borov Dol DOOEL Radovish, in accordance with their concession agreements and the amendments to the Law on Mineral Resources (“Official Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia” nos. 136/12, 25/2013; 93/2013; 44/2014; 160/2014; 129/2015; 192/2015; 39/2016; 53/2016; 120/2016; 189/2016; 7/2019; 99/2022; 129/2023; 253/2023; 147/2024; 49/2025), continue to fully comply with their legal obligation for timely, transparent, and accountable payment of concession fees to the affected municipalities.

The payments are made based on the Decision on the Distribution of Concession Fees for 2025 (“Official Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia” no. 94/2025 of May 12, 2025), with calculations performed in accordance with the Tariff for Calculation of Concession Fees (“Official Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia” no. 268/2024).

The total planned amount for 2025 to be distributed to the municipalities of Radovish, Konche, and Shtip is MKD 181,754,332, representing a significant financial contribution to the budgets of these local self-governments.

Distribution by Municipality:

Municipality of Konche
MKD 76,128,839 – concession fee for mineral resources exploitation
MKD 809,607 – land use fee
Total: MKD 76,938,446

Municipality of Shtip
MKD 59,720,528 – concession fee for mineral resources exploitation
MKD 544,604 – land use fee
Total: MKD 60,265,132

Municipality of Radovish
MKD 41,556,529 – concession fee for mineral resources exploitation (Bucim and Borov Dol)
MKD 2,994,225 – land use fee (Bucim and Borov Dol)
Total: MKD 44,550,754

Through these payments, Bucim and Borov Dol ensure a direct contribution to local economic and infrastructural development, actively supporting the financing of municipal projects and improving the quality of life in the region. These funds represent direct support for financing infrastructure, environmental, and social projects within the local communities, thus creating long-term value.

According to Article 76 of the Law on Mineral Resources, the concession fee for mineral resource exploitation is distributed between the state and the municipalities where exploitation activities take place, in proportions determined by a Government Decision. The amendments to the Tariff for Determining the Amount of Fees for Issuing Permits and Concessions for Detailed Geological Research and Exploitation of Mineral Resources from 2024 have doubled (from 2% to 4%) the share allocated to municipalities, calculated as a percentage of the market value of copper metal per tonne in each tonne of produced copper concentrate, and likewise for gold – increasing the municipalities’ share from 2% to 4% of the market value of gold metal per tonne of produced concentrate. This has enabled significantly higher municipal revenues from mining activities.

As socially responsible companies, Bucim and Borov Dol remain committed to responsible management of natural resources and to building stable and long-term partnerships with local communities. The payment of concession fees is just one segment of their broader sustainability strategy, which encompasses economic, social, and environmental aspects.

*The amounts for the second and third quarters of 2025 are based on estimates, with actual payments depending on the realization of production plans, market fluctuations in metal prices, and exchange rate movements.

As part of its commitment to advancing education and supporting the educational system, DPTU “Bucim” DOOEL Radovish organized its first educational visit for students from the “Goce Delchev” Primary School – Konche. On May 15, 2025, a group of 22 students and one teacher had the opportunity to closely explore the work of the mine’s chemical laboratory and witness the real-life application of chemistry in industry.

This visit reflects Bucim’s broader dedication to active engagement in the educational process and to encouraging young people’s interest in natural sciences, engineering, and sustainable development. The mine continues to nurture this positive practice by opening its facilities to students, university attendees, and young researchers from the region.

During the visit, students were introduced to specific chemical processes and analyses that are part of the laboratory’s daily operations, including metal precipitation with oxides, hydroxides, and carbonates; laboratory analysis of ore, water, and soil; and the importance of safety, environmental protection, and responsible resource management.

“For us, these initiatives are more than just visits – they are investments in the future. We believe that an inspired student today could become our colleague, innovator, or industry leader tomorrow. Supporting education is a strategic priority for Bucim, and we will continue to work in that direction,” said Aleksandar Rakov, Managing Director of Bucim and Borov Dol mines.

The initiative was carried out as part of the school’s chemistry curriculum and supported by the teaching staff of “Goce Delchev” Primary School – Konche and the Municipality of Konche, as part of their extracurricular efforts to enhance the quality of education. Bucim remains an open and committed partner to educational institutions and a supporter of future generations – working together toward a more sustainable, educated, and prosperous community.

As part of its long-term commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility, Bucim mine participated for the fourth consecutive year in the national environmental initiative Generalka Weekend, and for the second year as an official partner of MAM. This year, the initiative gained additional social value through the inclusive participation of beneficiaries from the Daily Center for People with Intellectual Disabilities “Poraka” from Radovish.

Together, Bucim employees and the young people from Poraka sent a strong message – that protecting the environment and supporting vulnerable groups are not separate goals, but interconnected aspects of a responsible and inclusive society.

The cleanup activities were carried out at several locations near Radovish and around Bucim’s operational areas, during which significant amounts of waste were collected and sorted, highlighting the importance of proper waste management and recycling.

“Generalka Weekend is not just a cleanup action – it is a symbol of responsibility, solidarity, and our determination to make a tangible difference for nature and the community. We are especially proud that this year, through our partnership with MAM and the inclusion of Poraka, we demonstrated that sustainable development must also be inclusive. At Bucim, this is not just a duty, but a value we live by every day,” Kristina Krsteva, Deputy Managing Director for Sustainable Development

Participation in Generalka Weekend 2025 is just one example of how Bucim implements ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles in practice, as part of its long-term strategy to improve environmental protection, community support, and responsible corporate behavior.

As part of its long-term commitment to social responsibility and support for the local community, DPTU Bucim DOOEL Radovish donated a passenger vehicle to the Public Health Institution General Hospital Strumica.

With this donation, the mining company provides direct support for improving the hospital’s mobility and logistical capacities, thereby contributing to a more efficient organization of healthcare services, particularly in terms of field and administrative support.

“Corporate social responsibility is not just part of our strategy, but a fundamental part of our mission. By supporting healthcare institutions, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening systems that are vital to the community,” stated Kristina Krsteva, Deputy Manager for Sustainable Development at Bucim and Borov Dol mines, during the handover.

The General Hospital in Strumica expressed sincere gratitude for the donation, emphasizing that such support is of great importance for enhancing their daily operations. Bucim remains dedicated to implementing initiatives that bring long-term value to citizens and public institutions in the region.

DPTU Bucim DOOEL Radovish and the Macedonian Geological Society – GEOLOG, Skopje, have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation establishing a foundation for long-term joint action in the fields of geological sciences, education, environmental protection, and the promotion of sustainable mining practices.

The cooperation is based on the following strategic areas:

• Professional and scientific support, including the preparation of geological reports, analyses, and development strategies for mining capacities, as well as participation in expert councils and advisory bodies;
• Education and lifelong learning, through the organization of training sessions, seminars, and field activities for employees in the mining industry, with a special focus on young geologists and technical staff;
• Joint participation in scientific research and applied projects, including the preparation of applications for domestic and international funding, especially in the fields of geology, hydrogeology, environmental protection, and sustainable mining;
• Environmental protection and preservation of geological heritage, through systematic monitoring of the impacts of mining activities and the development of expert solutions in line with sustainability principles;
• Promotion of geological science, through joint organization and participation in conferences, symposia, field visits, and other professional events;
• Publishing collaboration, through joint publication of professional papers and studies based on field research, monitoring data, and innovative practices;
• Development of young professionals and community engagement, by supporting students, young researchers, and the preparation of graduate, master’s, and doctoral theses related to mining.

“Signing this memorandum represents our ongoing commitment to building bridges between industrial practice and scientific thought. Through strategic cooperation with the Macedonian Geological Society, we strengthen our approach to innovation, sustainable resource management, and the development of new professional talent. We believe that integrating scientific knowledge with real-world challenges will contribute to the advancement of geological science and reaffirm our dedication to responsible and transparent mining,” said Ivica Karapetrov, Deputy General Manager of Bucim and Borov Dol Mines.

Through this initiative, Bucim reaffirms its long-term commitment to supporting science, young professionals, and socially responsible practices in mining, as part of its broader strategy for sustainable development and business ethics.

For the third consecutive year, Bucim acted as a general sponsor of this sporting event, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and initiatives that promote health, sports, and inclusiveness.

More than 25 employees from Bucim Mine took part in the race, demonstrating through their engagement, energy, and sportsmanship the importance of physical activity as part of the company’s culture of wellbeing and sustainable development. Participation in such events forms an integral part of Bucim’s broader ESG strategy (Environment, Social, and Governance), focusing on building healthier, more sustainable, and resilient communities.

“We are proud to be part of ‘Superior Runs’ as a general sponsor for the third year in a row and to contribute through the active participation of our employees to promoting healthy living habits. Supporting sports events, investing in the community, and developing human capital are key elements of our corporate strategy,” stated Alexander Rakov, General Manager of Bucim.

“Our employees are the heart of Bucim, and that is why we invest in their wellbeing not only in the workplace but also beyond it. Participation in the ‘Superior Runs’ race is an excellent opportunity for team building, promoting healthy habits, and strengthening our corporate spirit. We are proud to be part of this event for the third consecutive year, building a culture of responsibility and togetherness through sports,” added Miroslav Petrov, Human resources manager.

Bucim remains firmly committed to the continued support of sports, healthy lifestyles, and initiatives that contribute to the wellbeing and development of both its employees and the wider community