The future of mining in the Adria region: current status, SWOT and Gap analysis of the mineral sector

Main Article Content

Sibila Borojević Šoštarić
Stavroula Giannakopoulou
Katerina Adam
Marta Mileusnić
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3776-3661

Abstract

The Adria region which includes the countries of: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, and corresponds to the Dinarides, northwesternmost Hellenides, and the Vardar zone, has a long history of mining. Here, the main strengths and challenges of the mineral sector of the Adria region were assessed using the following methodology: (1) presentation of the current status of mineral exploration and exploitation, (2) SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis on parameters including geological potential, economic environment, legal and regulatory framework, innovation and technology framework, environmental protection and land use planning, governmental and social potential, human resources and educational potential, (3) Gap analysis, and (4) integration of the results obtained in the  development of a roadmap for the actions required to promote investments in the mineral sector in the Adria region. The main strengths of the regional mineral sector include the significant mineral potential due to a favourable geological setting, significant reserves, a long mining tradition, and active exploration areas, as well as a significant number of active and abundant mines and the availability of secondary raw materials.  Nevertheless, there are many challenges that the mineral sector faces, such as difficulties in ensuring social acceptance, a lack of new exploration campaigns in many areas, estimation of resources or reserves that do not follow international codes and standards, regulations related to environmental issues in the mineral sector of Adria countries that do not comply with European legislation, and the limited availability of qualified technical, scientific and managerial personnel involved in the whole mineral cycle. Therefore, actions and measures such as awareness campaigns to highlight the significance of Raw Materials in the sustainable development of the region, further exploration, reserves calculation in alignment with internationally recognized codes,  harmonization with spatial plans, and reforms to attract investors and capacity building programs should be taken for further development of the Adria region’s mineral sector in a sustainable manner. 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Article Details

Section
Review Papers

References

BANJEŠEVIĆ, M., CVETKOVIĆ, V., VON QUADT, A., LJUBOVIĆ OBRADOVIĆ, D., VASIĆ, N., PAČEVSKI, A. & PEYTCHEVA, I. (2019): New Constraints on the Main Mineralization Event Inferred from the Latest Discoveries in the Bor Metallogenetic Zone (BMZ, East Serbia).– Minerals 9/11, 672. doi: 10.3390/min9110672

BOROJEVIĆ ŠOŠTARIĆ, S., PALINKAŠ, A.L., STRMIĆ PALINKAŠ, S., BERMANEC, V., NEUBAUER, F., SPANGENBERG, J.E. & PROCHASKA, W. (2009): Origin of siderite–barite-polysulfide mineralisation in Petrova and Trgovska Gora Mts., NW Dinarides.– Miner Petrol, 97, 111–128. doi: 10.1007/s00710-009-0065-2

BOROJEVIĆ ŠOŠTARIĆ, S., NEUBAUER, F., HANDLER, R & PALINKAŠ, L.A. (2012): Tectonothermal history of the basement rocks within the NW Dinarides: new 40Ar/39Ar ages and synthesis.– Geol Carpath, 63/6, 441–452. doi: 10.2478/v10096-012-0034-2

BORTOLOTTI, V. & PRINCIPI, G. (2005): Tethyan ophiolites and Pangea break-up.– The Island Arc, 14, 442–470. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1738.2005.00478.x

COFACE (https://www.cofacecentraleurope.com/Economic-analysis/Metals (accessed on 1st of June, 2022).

CVETKOVIĆ, V., KNEŽEVIĆ, V. & PECSKAY, Z. (2000): Tertiary igneous formations of the Dinarides, Vardar zone and adjacent regions: from recognition to petrogenetic implications.– In: KARAMATA, S. & JANKOVIĆ, S. (eds.): Geology and Metallogeny of the Dinarides and the Vardar zone. The Academy of Sciences and Arts of the Republic of Srpska, Collections and Monographs 1, Dpt. of Natur., Math. and Techn. Sci., 1, 245–253.

CVETKOVIĆ, V. PRELEVIĆ, D., DOWNES, H., JOVANIVIĆ, M., VASELLI, O. & PÉCSKAY, Z. (2004): Origin and geodynamic significance of Tertiary postcollisional basaltic magmatism in Serbia (central Balkan Peninsula).- Lithos, 73, 3–4, 161–186. doi: 10.1016/j.lithos.2003.12.004

DIMITRIJEVIĆ, M.D. (1982): Dinarides: An Outline of the Tectonics.– Earth Evol. Sci. Berlin, 2/1, 4–23.

DIMITRIJEVIĆ M.D. (1997): Geology of Yugoslavia.– Geol. Survey GEMINI, Belgrade, 1–187.

DOING BUSINESS (2021) https://www.doingbusiness.org (accessed on 3rd of May, 2021).

EBRD (2017): European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Extractive Mining Industries Strategy 2018–2022. 2017. Available online: https://www.ebrd.com/mining%20operations%20policy.pdf (accessed on 3rd of March, 2021)

ECONOMOU-ELIOPOULOS, M, LASKOU, M., ELIOPOULOS, D.G., MEGREMI, I., KALATHA, S. & ELIOPOULOS, G.D. (2021): Origin of critical metals in Fe–Ni laterites from the Balkan Peninsula: Opportunities and environmental risk.– Minerals, 11/9, 1009. doi: 10.3390/min11091009

EUROPEAN COMMISSION (2020): Critical Raw Materials Resilience: Charting a Path towards greater Security and Sustainability.– COM 474 final, Brussels.

ESTRIN S. & UVALIĆ, M. (2014): FDI into transition economies: are the Balkans different?.– Economics of transition, 22/2, 281–312. doi: 10.1111/ecot.12040

GIANNAKOPOULOU, S., CHALKIOPOULOU, F. & ADAM, K. (2021). Mineral Raw Materials’ Resource Efficiency in Selected ESEE Countries: Strengths and Challenges.– Materials Proceedings, 5/1, 83. doi: 10.3390/materproc2021005083

GVERIĆ, Z., HANŽEL, D., KAMPIĆ, Š., PLEŠA, A. & TIBLJAŠ, D. (2020): Comprehensive characterisation of bentonites from Croatia and neighbouring countries.– Geologia Croatica, 73/1, 29–48. doi:10.4154/gc.2020.02

INSPIRE DIRECTIVE, 2007/2/EC: Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe, D2.8.III.21 Data Specification on Mineral Resources –Technical Guidelines. https://inspire.ec.europa.eu/documents/Data_Specifications/INSPIRE_DataSpecification_MR_v3.0_rc2.pdf

HORN, S., GUNN, A.G., PETAVRATZI, E., SHAW, R.A., EILU, P., TÖRMÄNEN, T., BJERKGÅRD, T., SANDSTAD, J.S., JONSSON, E., KOUNTOURELIS, S. & WALL, F (2021): Cobalt resources in Europe and the potential for new discoveries.– Ore Geology Reviews, 130, 103915. doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103915

KILIAS, S.P., NADEN, J., CHELIOTIS, I., SHEPHERD, T.J., CONSTANDINIDOU, H., CROSSING, J., & SIMOS, I. (2001): Epithermal gold mineralization in the active Aegean volcanic arc: the Profitis Ilias deposit, Milos island, Greece.– Mineralium Deposita, 36, 32–44. doi: 10.1007/s001260050284

KONG, E. (2008): The development of strategic management in the non‐profit context: Intellectual capital in social service non‐profit organizations.– International Journal of Management Reviews, 10/3, 281–299. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2370.2007.00224.x

KORONEOS, A., POLI, G., CVETKOVIĆ, V., CHRISTOFIDES, G., KRSTIĆ, D. & PÉCSKAY, Z. (2011): Petrogenetic and tectonic inferences from the study of the Mt Cer pluton (West Serbia).– Geol. Mag., 148/1, 89–111. doi: 10.1017/S0016756810000476

KOVAČEVIĆ GALOVIĆ, E., ILIJANIĆ, N., PEH, Z., MIKO, S. & HASAN, O. (2012): Geochemical discrimination of Early Palaeogene bauxites in Croatia.– Geologia Croatica, 65/1, 53–65. doi: 10.4154/GC.2012.04

MATI, S. (2017): Facing the global challenges in mining activities: adoption of legislation and mining policies in Albania. 3/4, https://cqegheiulaval.com/facing-theglobal- challenges-in-mining-activities-adoption-of-legislation-and-mining-policies- in-albania/

MELCHER, F. & REICHL, C. (2017): Economic Geology of the Eastern and Southeastern European (ESEE) Region.– BHM Bergund Hüttenmännische Monatshefte, 162, 238–244. doi: 10.1007/s00501-017-0625-4

MILUSHI, I. (2015): An Overview of the Albanian Ophiolite and Related Ore Minerals.– Acta Geologica Sinica (English Edition), 89, 2, 61–64. doi: 10.1111/1755-6724.12308_39

MUCEKU B., MASCLE, G. & TASHKO, A. (2006): First results of fission-track thermochronology in the Albanides.– In: ROBERTSON, A.H.F. & MOUNTRAKIS, D. (eds.): Tectonic development of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Geological Society Special Publication, 260, 539–556. doi: 10.1144/GSL.SP.2006.260.01.23

MURPHY, M. & PACHER, C. (2021): Bridging the gap: Brain drain to brain circulation.– Procedia Computer Science, 200, 556–565. doi: 10.1016/j.procs.2022.01.253

NAMUGENYIA, C., NIMMAGADDAB, S. L., & REINERSC, T. (2019). Design of a SWOT analysis model and its evaluation in diverse digital business ecosystem contexts – Procedia Computer Science, 159, 1145-1154. doi: 10.1016/j.procs.2019.09.283

PALINKAŠ, L.A., BOROJEVIĆ ŠOŠTARIĆ, S. & STRMIĆ PALINKAŠ, S. (2008): Metallogeny of the northwestern and central Dinarides and southern Tisia.– Ore geology reviews, 34/3, 501–520. doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2008.05.006

PAMIĆ, J. AMIĆ, J., GUŠIĆ, I. & JELASKA, V. (1998): Geodynamic evolution of the central Dinarides.– Tectonophysics, 297/1–4, 251–268. doi: 10.1016/S00401951(98)00171-1

PAMIĆ J. (2002): The Sava suture Zone of the Dinarides and Hellenides versus the Vardar Ocean.– Eclogae geol. Helv. 95, 99–113. doi: 10.5169/seals-168948

PRELEVIĆ, D., JACOB, D.E. & FOLEY, S.F. (2013): Recycling plus: A new recipe for the formation of Alpine-Himalayan orogenic mantle lithosphere.– Earth and Planetary Sciences Letters, 362,187–197. doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2012.11.035

RADIVOJEVIĆ, M., REHREN, T.H., PERNICKA, E., ŠLJIVAR, D., BRAUNS, M., BORIĆ, D. (2010): On the origins of extractive metallurgy: new evidence from Europe.– Journal of Archaeological Science, 37, 2775–2787. doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2010.06.012

RADUSINOVIĆ, S. & PAPADOPOLOULOS, A. (2021): The Potential for REE and Associated Critical Metals in Kartic Bauxites and Bauxite Reisude of Montenegro.– Minerals, 11, 975–1018. doi: 10.3390/min11090975

RADUSINOVIĆ, S., ŠAJN, R., JOVANOVIĆ, B., ROKAVEC, D., HRIBERNIK, K., ABRAMOVIĆ, V., DRAKSLER, M., DANILOVIĆ, I. & JOVANOVIĆ, M. (2022): The primary and secondary mineral resources of Montenegro and their
mapping into European data model.– Geologia Croatica, this issue, 335-348. doi: 10.4154/gc.2022.20

REICHL, C. & SCHATZ, M. (2021): World Mining Data 2021, vol. 36.– Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism of Republic of Austria, Internetional Organizing Committee for the World Mining Congresses, 266 p.

REICHL, C. & SCHATZ, M. (2022): World Mining Data 2022, vol. 37.– Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism of Republic of Austria, Internetional Organizing Committee for the World Mining Congresses, 266 p.

RIO TINTO (2020) https://www.riotinto.com/news/releases/2020/Rio-Tinto-declaresmaiden- Ore-Reserve-at-Jadar (accessed on 5th of December, 2021).

ROBERTSON, A.H.F. & SHALLO, M. (2000): Mesozoic–Tertiary tectonic evolution of Albania in its regional Eastern Mediterranean context.– Tectonophysics, 316, 197–254. doi:10.1016/S0040-1951(99)00262-0

SCHEFER, S., CVETKOVIĆ, V., FÜGNSCHUH, B., KOUNOV, A., OVTCHAROVA, M., SCHALTEGGER, U. & SCHMID, S.M. (2010): Triassic metasediments in the internal Dinarides (Kopaonik area, southern Serbia): Stratigraphy, paleogeographic and tectonic significance.– Geologica Carpathica, 61/2, 89–109. doi: 10.2478/v10096-010-0003-6

SCHMID, S.M., FÜGENSCHUH, B., KOUNOV, A. & VAN HINSBERGEN, D. (2020): Tectonic units of the Alpine collision zone between Eastern Alps and western Turkey.– Gondwana Research, 78, 308–374. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2019.07.005

SCHODDE, R. (9 March, 2021). Industry Spotlight on the Western Tethyan. 5th Annual Tethyan Belt Session, PDAC [PowerPoint slides]. Toronto, Canada. Available at: https://minexconsulting.com/industry-spotlight-on-the-western-tethyan/

SERAFIMOVSKI, S., TASEV, G., STAFILOV, T. (2022) General features of some pollymetallic ore deposits in the Republic North Macedonia.– Geol. Croat., 75/Special Issue, 349-364. doi: 10.4154/gc.2022.27

SERJANI, A. (1990): Chemical and Mineralogical composition of phosphorites of the Kurveleshi anticline Belt (Albania).– Mineral. Wealth, 67, 43–50.

SOHOL, M. (2017): Facing the global challenges in mining activities: adoption of legislation and mining policies in Albania (Vol 3, n4).– Quebec Council for Geopolitical Studies, CQEG. https://cqegheiulaval.com/facing-the-global-challenges-inmining-activities-adoption-of-legislation-and-mining-policies-in-albania/

STEINER, T.M.C., BERTRANDSSON ERLANDSSON, V., ŠAJN, R. & MELCHER, F. (2022): Preliminary chemical and mineralogical characterization of tailings from base metal sulfide deposits in Serbia and North Macedonia.– Geologia Croatica, this issue, 391-302, doi: 10.4154/gc.2022.22

ŠAJN, R., RISTOVIĆ, I. & ČEPLAK, B. (2022): Mining and Metallurgical Waste as Potential Secondary Sources of Metals – A Case Study for the West Balkan Region.– Minerals, 12, 547. doi: 10.3390/min12050547

TOMAŠIĆ, N., ČOBIĆ, A., BEDEKOVIĆ, M., MIKO, S., ILIJANIĆ, N., GIZDAVEC, N. & MATOŠEVIĆ, M. (2021): Rare Earth Elements Enrichment in the Upper Eocene Tošići-Dujići Bauxite Deposit, Croatia, and Relation to REE Mineralogy, Parent Material and Weathering.– Minerals, 11/11, 1260. doi: 10.3390/min11111260

UNITED NATIONS (2020): United Nations Framework Classification for Resources.– ECE Energy Series, 26. doi: 10.18356/44105e2b-en

USTASZEWSKI, K., SCHMID, S.M., LUGOVIĆ, B., SCHUSTER, R., SCHALTEGGER, U., BERNOULLI, D., HOTTINGER, L., KOUNOV, A., FÜGENSCHUH, B. & SCHEFER, S. (2009): Late Cretaceous intra-oceanic magmatism in the internal Dinarides (northern Bosnia and Herzegovina): Implications for the collision of the Adriatic and European plates.– Lithos, 108, 1–4, 106–125. doi: 10.1016/j.lithos.2008.09.010

VELOJIĆ, M., BERTRANDSSON ERLANDSSON, V., MELCHER, F., ONUK, P., JELENKOVIĆ, R. & CVETKOVIĆ, V. (2022): Trace elements in pyrite from the Čukaru Peki porphyry Cu–high-sulfidation deposit, Serbia: implications for ore evolution in a polyphase hydrothermal system.– Geologia Croatica, this issue, 303-316, doi: 10.4154/gc.2022.25

VELOJIĆ, M., JELENKOVIĆ, R. & CVETKOVIĆ, V. (2020): Fluid Evolution of the Čukaru Peki Cu-Au Porphyry System (East Serbia) inferred from a fluid inclusion study.– Geologia Croatica 73/3, 197–209. doi: 10.4154/gc.2020.14

VLAD, S. & BERZA, T. (2003): Banatitic magmatic and metallogenetic belt: Metallogeny of the romanian carpathians segment.– Studia Universitatis Babeş-Bolyai, Geologia, XLVIII/1, 113–122. doi: 10.5038/1937-8602.48.1.10

WEST BALKAN MINERAL REGISTER (2021) https://reseerve.eu/results (Accessed on 31st of December, 2021).

WILLIAMS, S. & MASLAĆ, S. (2010): Strengthening Capacities in Western Balkan Countries to Address Environmental Problems Through Remediation of High Priority Hot Spots.– In: Global Environmental Change: Challenges to Science and Society in Southeastern Europe, Springer, Dordrecht, 259–266.

(WORLD BANK (2022) https://www.worldbank.org/ (Accessed on 5th of December, 2021).