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12TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: PODEKS – POVEKS 2019

Within the framework of its sustainability policy and science advancement program, the Bucim mine was once again a sponsor of the 12th international expert conference on underground and surface exploitation and exploration of mineral resources, PODEKS – POVEKS 2019.

The event was organized by the Association of Mining and Geology Engineers from Republic of North Macedonia and the Goce Delčev University of Štip’s Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences. It took place from November 1–3, 2019 in Strumica, North Macedonia.

The conference included presentations on the new technical and technological achievements and the production results in underground and open pit exploitation of mineral resources. It also covered advancements in geology, a realistic perspective on the current situation in underground quarries for lead, zinc, and other mineral resources, and a view of production in open-pit quarries for copper and other metallic and nonmetallic mineral resources. Directions and perspectives for further development of the technologies for underground and surface mining were also shared. Representatives from the mining and geological industries of North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia, and other countries, participated in discussions and exchanged scientifically practical information, opinions, and experiences on the development of the mining sector.

These expert meetings in the fields of mining and geology offered an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences relating to the processes of underground and surface exploitation of mineral resources. These discussions are valuable in reaching conclusions and generating ideas for further activities towards the resolution of specific current issues in underground and surface exploitation, as well as for the broader future development of mining and geological activities in the Republic of North Macedonia and the region.

Nikolajcho Nikolov, Deputy General Manager of Bucim DOO Radovish, commented on the occasion:“As a socially responsible company, we are aware that in addition to our own development, we must also take into account the development of the entire mining sector. This is the principle that guides our company. Therefore, within our capabilities, we allocate funds each year for the realization of relevant leading scientific conferences. By sharing experiences and transferring knowledge, we continuously improve our profession, establishing new, higher standards in the spirit of the time in which we live and work, and the challenges which we all face. “

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BUCIM MARKS THE EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK

24.10.2019

Bucim copper mine gave a presentation today on best practices in the field of occupational safety and health at an event marking the European Week for Safety and Health at Work. Bucim is a conscientious and responsible employer which prioritizes the safety and health of its employees and ensures dignity and humanity in its labor relations.

Each year, the 43rd week of the calendar year is designated by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) as the European Safety and Health Week. As part of its celebration, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, in cooperation with the National Council for Safety and Health at Work, organized a meeting at the MPs’ Club in Skopje. At this meeting, the Bucim DOO Radovish copper mine presented its own OSH practices relating to the topic: “Managing Dangerous Substances in the Workplace.”

Bucim was among the first companies in the Republic of North Macedonia to be awarded the international certificate for occupational health and safety management system ISO 45001: 2018.

Bucim continuously invests in the safety and health of its employees and strives to create a preventative culture to eliminate and manage risks to its workers’ safety and health.  The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy invited Bucim, as a company that follows and respects European policies in the field of occupational safety and health, to share its OSH practices in order to help further raise awareness about the presence of hazardous substances in the workplace, the risks to workers’ lives and health caused by exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace, and how hazardous substances should be managed in order to avoid and minimize risks.

“We hope that by sharing our internal practice, we can make a real contribution to the creation of a modern and contemporary occupational safety and health system in the Republic of North Macedonia. We do so not only because of our involvement in European-oriented campaigns, but simply because our workers deserve dignified and safe working conditions, and we as employers are obliged to ensure this. Occupational safety and health education is critical to making progress in improving working conditions and preventing occupational illness and injury; we as a company are always investing in training for our employees.” added Nikolajcho Nikolov, Deputy General Manager of Bucim DOO Radovish.

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International Mining and Archaeology Symposium

Bucim DOO Radovish supports International Mining and Archaeology Symposium

Within the framework of its sustainability policy and cultural heritage preservation programme, Bucim DOO Radovish is supporting an international symposium on archaeology and mining. The event is organized by the NI Institute for Protection of Monuments of Culture and Мuseum – Shtip, and will take place from September 12 – 15, 2019 in Shtip, North Macedonia.

Over the course of the three-day symposium, 58 authors from North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom will present 28 scientific papers with the results of the latest archaeological research on mining and metallurgy in the Balkans, from the earliest prehistoric times through the Ottoman period.

The international symposium on mining and archaeology is the final step in Bucim’s eight-year cooperation project to preserve the region’s historical heritage together with the NI Institute for Protection of Monuments of Culture and Museum – Shtip.

The multidisciplinary study on the emergence and origins of metallurgy in prehistoric cultures is the first of its kind in the history of the North Macedonia. Launched in 2011, it opened with protective archaeological excavations at the site of the current new Borov Dol mine development. During the years that followed, archaeological excavations were carried out at Borov Dol, Marcevo and Topolinicka River. This research was aimed at proving the hypothesis that the area has been a centre of mining and metallurgy since the Late Bronze and early Iron Ages.

The results of the interdisciplinary research carried out between 2011 – 2018 offer unambiguous and direct evidence of the existence of developed extractive metallurgy during the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages in the region.  The findings will serve as the basis for a wider conservation study which will significantly add to current scientific knowledge of the archaeological cultural heritage of the area.

The artefacts which were found during the recent excavations will be shown at the Art Gallery “Bezisten” – Shtip as a part of the “Borov Dol 2011-2018” exhibition marking the official opening of the “International Mining and Archaeology Symposium”.

Nikolajcho Nikolov, Bucim deputy general manager, commented on the occasion: “Mining and metallurgy has always played an important technological and economical role throughout the history of mankind. Today, it is one of the founding industries of Macedonia’s modern economy. To develop and grow healthy businesses, while preserving the heritage and securing the environment, we must explore and learn from the lessons of the past. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this historical research which will serve as the basis for further scientific studies.  We hope there will be more opportunities for future mining and archaeology gatherings, which we will be pleased to continue to support.”

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Bucim DOO Radovish celebrates 40 years of success

Today Bucim DOO Radovish, the only operating copper mine in North Macedonia, is celebrating 40 years of operational activities and contribution to the economy of its home country, region, and town. The official celebrations took place this morning in the municipality of Radovish in the presence of the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, other honored guests, partners, and members of the community.

In 2019, Buchim also marks its 15 years of operations under the Swiss-based Solway Investment Group. Since 1979, Bucim has been welcoming all the changes and opportunities required to evolve, exist, and remain a successful producer, responsible neighbor, and a fare employer. During the past 15 years Bucim has been and still is experiencing exceptional growth and development.

Today Bucim mine is the leading mining project and the only operating copper and gold mine in the Republic of North Macedonia with an annual production capacity of over 40,000 tons of copper concentrate containing gold.

To secure Bucim’s success Solway Investment Group has invested over 78 million euro in the mine’s modernization and development since 2005. During all those years Bucim has been contributing to the occupational health and safety initiatives, environmental safeguards, and the development of municipal infrastructure at Bucim, its hometown, and neighboring municipalities. The amount of social investments into the civil infrastructure development, occupational health and safety and environmental protection adds up to   5 million since 2005 and is growing annually.

Opening the anniversary festivities at Bucim the Prime Minister of the Republic of North  Macedonia, Zoran Zaev said: “We continue to work together to promote and develop the mining sector in the Republic of North Macedonia as an important segment in our efforts to build a strong economy that will open up opportunities for all!”

Vasil Borutskij, General Manager of Bucim DOO Radovish: “Despite all the problems related to obtaining permits, the Borov Dol project is ongoing and we plan to transport the first ore from the Borov Dol mine into the flotation plant in Bucim before the next celebration of Miner’s Day in 2020. Implementation of the Borov Dol project will extend the operations of Bucim mine for at least 10 years with significant annual contributions to state and municipal budgets.”

Nikolajcho Nikolov, Deputy manager of Bucim DOO Radovish added: “Four decades ago, the mine was projected to work for only 17 years. Look at us, celebrating 40 years today! We are honored to celebrate our accomplishments together with our employees, citizens of Radovish, and partners. They have been an impressive 40 years and we are looking forward to honoring another ten so we can honor 50!”

In 2018 the company launched a project to open a new copper ore mine at Borov Dol. As a result the digging of copper ore can be prolonged until 2030, thereby maximizing the lifetime of exploitation of the flotation and other existing facilities at the Bucim mine. The impeccable reputation of the Bucim’s managing team, their willingness to adapt to the changing requirements of the modern world and efficient infrastructure built over the years, open unique opportunities for further regional consolidation and joint safe development of other mining projects, minimizing the impact on the environment.

Dan Bronstein, Chairman of the board, Solway Investment Group said: “Bucim’s 40th anniversary is the perfect occasion to celebrate and glance back into the past as well as look forward to the future. In 2005, some creativity and a desire to face calculated risks were required to bring Bucim to success. I can say I am glad we seized this opportunity 15 years ago and despite all the technical, social, and economic challenges, we delivered on our promises. I would like to thank the Government of North Macedonia, the people of Radovish, Bucim employees, our partners, and the rest of the stakeholders for the loyalty and trust they showed throughout these years. I believe with such involvement and support, together we will have many prosperous and blooming years to come in the future.”

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Six young talents at the Salzburg Festival’s Opera Camp

Six young talents will represent their countries at the Salzburg Festival’s Opera Camp this summer

The Solway Music Fellowship Organizing Committee in cooperation with the Salzburg Festival has selected 6 finalists from Guatemala, Macedonia and Ukraine to attend the Opera Camp at the Salzburg Festival. More than 40 creatives, aged 14 – 17, expressed their interest in applying for the program. 39 continued their journey to the Stardrome after the first round was completed and only 6 (2 per country) were awarded the full scholarship, which covers travel and visa expenses, accommodation, as well as educational and entertainment activities in Salzburg, Austria.

Miguel Tiul and Carlos Guzman (Guatemala), Arthur Ardelyan and Anastasia Lavrenyuk (Ukraine), Stefan Eftimov and Monika Trayanova (Macedonia) gained an outstanding opportunity to experience the world’s most renowned classical music festival by participating in one of the Opera Camps for Children and Youth at the Salzburg Festival.  They will spend a week from August 4 until August 10, without parents, in Schloss Arenberg working with music educators, theatre professionals, and stage designers, while staging their unique version of the George Enescu’s opera “Edipe” that is being performed at the Salzburg Festival. The young winners will also visit the dress rehearsal of the “Œdipe” and go backstage. At the end of the week, together with the Camp fellows, they will perform their version of the opera in front of the audience.

The 39 selected applicants were required to undergo 24 weeks of English language training in order to reach the second round. As their final assignment, the applicants had to make a 90-second creative video, in English, which expressed their presentation skills and demonstrated their talents in particular artistic disciplines. The Jury, represented by the Salzburg Festival, the creative team of the Opera Camps and the chairman of the board of Solway Investment Group judged the presented videos based on a variety of criteria: creativity, communication skills, engagement with the language learning process as well as their level of English language skills.

For their exceptional academic results, their will to learn and their creative approach, the jury awarded Veronika Perepelytsia (Ukraine), Barbara Stojyanova (Macedonia) and Diego Raul Cac (Guatemala) with its special prize – a month of further intensive English studies that will take place in June.

The full list of selected Solway Music Fellowship program finalists and their 90-second creative videos can be seen here:

Ukraine

https://solwaygroup.com/musiccamp/ukraine-final-2019/

Macedonia

https://solwaygroup.com/musiccamp/macedonia-final-2019/

Guatemala

https://solwaygroup.com/musiccamp/guatemala-final-2019/

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ISO 45001 Certificate

“Bucim” DOO Radovis has obtained an ISO 45001 Certificate for Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS)

“Bucim” DOO Radovish is among the first companies in the Republic of North Macedonia to have been awarded the international certificate for occupational health and safety management system ISO 45001: 2018.

The ISO 45001 standard is a safety and health management system. The adoption of this standard includes activities to improve safety processes at work, and also increases awareness of risks in the workplace.

Establishing this management system for safety and protection at work will contribute towards:

  • Reducing the risks to all stakeholders of exposure to organizational risks (namely employees);
  • Continuous improvement of safety and protection at work;
  • Introduction of health and safety standards across the entire organization in accordance with ISO 45001;
  • Methodological analysis of products and processes;
  • Measures being defined and observed.

After the certification audit regarding fulfillment of the requirements of the international standard ISO 45001: 2018, “Bucim” DOO Radovish acquired this certificate.

Having a Certificate of Occupational Health and Safety Management System means that all processes and procedures carried out at the mine must comply with the requirements of ISO 45001: 2018. This is yet another confirmation of the successful operation of the Bucim mine.

Bucim press release

Official statement of “Bucim” DOO Radovish

On March 13, 2019 at 13:30, an accident happened in the copper mine “Bucim” DOO Radovish. During the performance of his duties, an employee in charge of changing the alignment from a high voltage line died of an electric shock.

All the services required by law in such a case were called in place. After initial information from the services, the cause of death is an electrocution. A commission is formed to assess the final assessment of the the cause of the accident in accordance with all legal requirements.

“Bucim” DOO Radovish and its mothering company Solway Investment Group express their sincere condolences to the family. In accordance with the laws of the Republic of Macedonia and according to the internal protocols, “Bucim” DOO Radovis will pay all benefits to the family of the deceased.

Bucim press release

Regarding the death of a Bucim DOO Radovish employee, this morning, February 6, 2019

Bucim DOO Radovish would like to clarify the information falsely published by the media on the situation as it relates to the death of an employee of the mine this morning.

An employee of Bucim who performed his duties as a driver died while at work this morning, on February 6, 2019. At the time of his death the deceased was working on the site and fell next to the vehicle he was in charge of. The assigned Buchim medical personnel immediately took all the necessary first aid actions. Further on the patient was handed over to the certified ambulance staff that declared him dead.

All the respected agencies required by law in such an event were called to the site to assess the matter. The medical staff and the police identified the preliminary cause of death as natural. The employee was a regular subject of the routine health assessments required by the laws of Macedonia and passed them successfully. A commission will be formed to perform the final assessment of the cause of death in adherence with all legal requirements. The incident did not affect the current operational processes at the mine.

Bucim DOO Radovish and its mothering company Solway Investment Group express their sincere condolences to the family. Bucim will pay the benefits to the family of the deceased as per the internal protocols and in accordance to the laws of the Republic of Macedonia.

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Preparatory works at the new Borov Dol mine

On December 12, 2018, Buchim DOO, officially launched preparatory works at the new Borov Dol mine. Development of Borov Dol is forecast to extend the life of the Buchim operation to at least 2030.

Solway is planning to invest up to €50 million in preparation of the ore body, construction of a 7 km conveyor belt and other preparatory activities.  Introduction of the new enterprise will serve to prolong operation of the existing Buchim DOO, thereby preserving jobs and contributing to the regional economy, rather than closing the older mine.

“Preparatory works have already begun. There will be many economically beneficial activities, as well as new jobs. We have just signed a contract for construction of the local road. Since many of the construction companies are from the Republic of Macedonia, around 150 new local subcontractors will be engaged during the preparatory period. There is much to come, including financial investments in the construction sector, in particular, and the regional economy more broadly” – commented Nikolajcho Nikolov, Manager of Borov Dol.

According to the plan, mining will begin at Borov Dol around May 2020. The existing mine will cease its operations at the same time. After the transition period is over, most of Buchim’s employees will be transferred to the new facility.

The proposed mining area contains proven and prospective reserves of approximately 40 million tons of ore containing 0.235% copper and 0.2 g/t of gold. The life of the mine may be substantially extended further when new reserves to the north of the ore body are delineated. Borov Dol is the only newly developed ore body in Macedonia to have been developed in the past 40 years.

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International Music Camp for Children and Youth in Salzburg

Talented young students from Radovish will have another chance to represent Macedonia at the International Music Camp for Children and Youth in Salzburg in the summer of 2019.

“Bucim” DOO Radovish, a branch of the Solway Investment Group in Macedonia, opened its annual call for the Solway Music Fellowship Program. An elective part is also organized in cities in Ukraine and Guatemala, where some of the companies in the Solway Group are located.

The children of employees in Bucim, as well as students from artistic groups and educational institutions supported by the company, who have some talent in music, applied arts, ethnic craft, theater, or any other kind of creative performance, have the right to participate in the election part . The age of the participants should be from 14 to 17 years.

The scholarship program of the International Solway Music Fellowship Program, for the candidates of the youth music camp, consists of an elective part in two parts and is awarded by a joint decision of the jury. The jury is represented by the Salzburg Festival, the creative team of the Opera Camps and the Chairman of the Board of the Solway Investment Group. The jury will assess the creativity of the candidates, their artistic, theatrical or music education, as well as the communicative skills, and not the number of diplomas or certificates the candidate has won.

There are a total of 15 vacancies for the district of Radovish in the first part of the electoral program. The application starts on November 20, 2018. The deadline for filing the application is December 20, 2018.

In the first electoral section, the selected 15 candidates will have to attend a 20-week English-language course in order to reach the second part of the elimination, which will be in late April 2019. Candidates will qualify for the second phase by creating a creative video presentation for a duration of 90 seconds. Videos must be recorded in English, and the candidate must present and show his abilities and talents in one of the artistic disciplines.

Two of the most creative, most communicative, most capable and talented finalists will be selected for a trip to Salzburg, with all expenses covered and a week’s stay at the Salzburg Music Camp for Children and Youth, which will be held in August 2019 in Austria.

In the summer of 2018, Verche Andonova and Kostadin Atanasov from Radovish represented Macedonia in Salzburg.

When addressing the candidates for 2019, Solway’s last year scholarship said that the week they spent in Salzburg was of great importance to them, just like all parts of the electoral process until they were selected for scholarship. They have acquired the skill and the ability to communicate in English.

They also explained that speaking the same language (English) with the other students and mentors at the camp helped them get to know each other better with new acquaintances, and to increase their creative skills.

For more details, as well as for applying for the Solway Music Fellowship Program, please visit the website:

http://solwaygroup.com/musiccamp/?lang=mk