SThe mining sector and the first critical materials present significant potential for Kosovo’s economic development, attracting American and international investments, as well as integrating the country into global supply chains.
This was said during the discussion on the topic of the mining sector and the first critical subjects in Kosovo: Investment opportunities for American businesses, organised by the American Economic Oda in Kosovo in co-operation with the Women’s Committee in Energy and Mines.
At the opening of the forum, Shqipe Vela, Leader of the Women’s Committee in Energy and Mine, stressed that Kosovo’s natural assets provide an important opportunity for industrial development, job creation and growth of economic competitiveness.
It underlined that realising this potential requires a clear legal framework, stable politics and a long-term strategy for the sector. Vela also stressed the importance of co-operation between educational institutions and businesses for developing the qualified workforce, as well as the role of local and international investors in modernising the industry.
Arben Mustafa, chairman of the Commission for Economics, Industry, Trade and Inovation in the Kosovo Assembly, stressed that the global demand for safe sources of raw materials creates new opportunities for Kosovo. According to him, transforming the mining potential into concrete investments requires functional institutions, transparency in decision-making and elimination of bureaucratic barriers. He expressed commitment to review legislation and address barriers to investment, stressing that American investors can contribute capital, technology, expertise and access to international markets.
Deputy Economy Minister Triera Kasumi Berisha stressed that the development of the mining sector should empower the local industry and create greater opportunities to process raw materials within Kosovo. It singled out Trepca company as strategic assets, modernisation and improvement in management, which are important for increased production capacities and long-term sustainability.
The deputy minister announced that the ministry aims to advance the assessment of mineral assets, review the possibilities for gasification of coal on the basis of economic, technological and environmental feasibility, as well as the drafting of a new mining strategy based on reliable geological data.
Speaking on behalf of the private sector, Mentor Demi, representative of the Western Tethyan Resource company and head of the Kosovo Mines Watch, stressed that the mining sector is not getting the attention due to discussions on economic development, though minerals and raw materials are the basis for energy transition and development of new technologies.
He estimated that a full understanding of the strategic importance of this sector is still lacking in Kosovo and the long-term nature of mining investments. Recalling that developing a mining project could last on average for up to twenty years, Demi stressed the need for policies and institutional decision-making to exceed short-term cycles and ensure continued predictability for investors.
Demi raised concrete concerns about the functioning of regulatory institutions, particularly the Independent Commission for Mining and Minerals, stressing that delays and lack of decision-making are hampering the development of private mining projects. He cited cases of international investors who, despite millions of investments in exploratory activities in Kosovo, have faced blockages of projects due to institutional inaction.
According to him, although Kosovo has a generally favourable and attractive legal framework for foreign investors, its implementation and institutional accountability remain serious challenges. It called for full functioning of regulatory mechanisms and more balanced treatment of the mining sector, paying attention not only to public enterprises but also to the potential of private sector investments and projects.
Speaking of the academy’s role, Nurten Deva, Rector of the University of Mitrovica, stressed that Kosovo’s mining assets should be accompanied by the development of processing capacities, modern technologies and the assessment of economic and environmental impacts.
It underlined that closer co-operation between universities, public institutions and private companies is necessary for efficient use of mining resources. According to her, greater involvement of the academy and support for scientific research would contribute to sustainable industry development.
This forum, organised by the American Economic Oda, stressed the importance of a coordinated approach between institutions, the private sector and the academy for the creation of a competitive and sustainable mining industry.