Government Mineral Concession Policies: the Case of North Macedonia

• Author: Osmani R. - Alili H.
• Position: South East European University, North Macedonia - South East European University, North Macedonia
• Pages: 143-154

Bulletin of the Transilvania University of B raşov

Series V: Economic Sciences • Vol. 12 (61) No. 1 – 2019

https://doi.org/10.31926/but.es.2019.12.61.1.19

GOVERNMENT MINERAL CONCESSION

POLICIES.

THE CASE OF NORTH MACEDONIA

R. OSMANI1 H. ALILI2

Abstract: The main purpose of this study is to analyse the concessionary

mineral resource policies of the Ministry of Economy according to the

planning regions in the North Macedonia. Concession-winning companies

accomplish their development plans, contribute to the economic

development of the municipality and of the region where the concession is

approved. These government public policies have positive fiscal effects on

the budgets of the municipalities and of the ministry of the economy. The

findings of the paper argue that mineral concession policies do not

contribute to the reduction of developmental disparities between regions in

North Macedonia. The authors intend to contribute to the elimination of this

shortcoming through the diversification of the criteria in the concession

process, the stimulation of small and medium-sized companies, granting

government subsidies based on planning regions. The paper has its

shortcomings related to the different organization at municipal and regional

level compared to the Western Balkan countries, which makes it impossible

to make a relevant comparison between the situation in North Macedonia

and the Western Balkan countries.

Keywords: Mineral resources, concession criteria, regions, N. Macedonia

1. Introduction

The main objective of the research is to analyze the concession policies of mineral

resources in the period 2008-2017 according to the economic development, the

increase in fiscal revenues and the reduction of the regional disparities in North

Macedonia.

The concession policy as part of the economic policy for the exploitation of natural

resources and mineral resources is particularly important for the economic development

in some regions. The public opinion and in particular businesses and professional circles

are partially informed about this economic activity.

1 South East European University, No rth Macedonia, rufi.osmani@seeu.edu.mk.

2 South East European University, No rth Macedonia, hh21778@seeu.edu.mk.