Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, visited IGM Vratnica AD in the municipality of Jegunovce, which holds a valid license for mineral resource exploitation issued by the ministry.
The visit is part of the Ministry's continuous activities to monitor the holders of concessions and licenses for exploitation, as well as to improve the regulation in the mining sector. During the meeting with the management, discussions were held on the implementation of legal obligations, ecological standards, safety protocols, and opportunities for improving efficiency in exploitation.
"State resources must be used responsibly, transparently, and with the highest standards. Institutions are obligated to continuously check compliance with legal obligations, safety protocols, and ecological standards," emphasized Bozhinovska.
The Minister, while touring the factory's facilities, also spoke directly with the employees, inquiring about the conditions in which they work. Part of the 68 employees have spent their entire careers at IGM Vratnica and are satisfied that the company remains a stable economic entity in the region. They emphasized that continuous investments in modernization and production expansion not only provide secure jobs but also create opportunities for young people to build their careers in this industry.
The management of IGM Vratnica pointed out that they are in an investment cycle and are investing in new automated technology, which will allow for more economical use of raw materials and a reduced environmental impact. Recently, they also invested in new automated equipment, including a modern concrete element production machine, which, according to announcements, will allow more efficient use of raw materials and energy in the exploitation and processing process.
IGM Vratnica AD, founded in 1976, has been operating continuously since then and is a leading industry for building materials with five production plants. As part of its efforts for modernization and increased efficiency, the company has applied for and will be a beneficiary of funds from the Hungarian loan. This loan, in the amount of 500 million euros, was arranged by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and is intended to support Macedonian companies through favorable financial resources.
General Director Vlado Načevski emphasized that they have never used any state aid, and for all necessary modernization and renovations, they had to take unfavorable loans, which slowed down the company's growth.
"These funds from the Hungarian loan are of great significance for improving production and efficiency, to renovate, modernize, and revive the old production hall. For a company like ours, they truly represent significant support for further development," said Načevski.
The Ministry continues with active monitoring of all license holders, with a clear goal – legality, efficiency, and sustainable management of mineral resources, providing clear and stable operating conditions for companies in accordance with laws and international standards.
Respectfully,
Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources
