2022 | 75/Special Issue | 317–334 | 5 Figs. | 2 Appendix Tabs. | www.geologia-croatica.hr Journal of the Croatian Geological Survey and the Croatian Geological Society 1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Geographically and politically, the Adria region includes the area of the Western Balkans, i.e., Albania (ALB), Bosnia and Herze- govina (BiH), Croatia (HRV), Montenegro (MNE), North Mac- edonia (MKD), and Serbia (SRB). In the Early Neolithic period, the Adria region was a centre of mining and metallurgical activ- ities due to its richness in copper ore minerals such as malachite and azurite (RADIVOJEVIĆ et al. 2010). Mining and smelting activities in the Roman period included base metals such as cop- per, gold, silver, lead, and zinc, while today numerous metallic and non-metallic raw materials are mined and processed in the region (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). 1.1. Raw material potential The Adria region mainly comprises the Dinarides, the northwest- ernmost Hellenides, and the Vardar zone, which host Palaeozoic to Neogene External and Internal units (the High Karst and Pre- Karst units, Variscan basement units with the surrounding Bos- nian flysch, the Western Vardar ophiolite unit, and the Sava su- ture zone) and ore deposits associated with various stages of the Alpine Wilson cycle (PALINKAŠ et al., 2008; PAMIĆ et al., 1998). The predominant ore-productive phases are the following: The future of mining in the Adria region: current status, SWOT and Gap analysis of the mineral sector Sibila Borojević Šoštarić1, Stavroula Giannakopoulou2, Katerina Adam2 and Marta Mileusnić1,* 1 University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Pierottijeva 6, HR-10000 ZG; (sibila.borojevic-sostaric@rgn.unizg.hr; *corresponding author: marta.mileusnic@rgn.unizg.hr) 2 National Technical University of Athens, School of Mining & Metallurgical Engineering, 9, Iroon Polytechniou Str, GR-157 80 Athens; (gianstav@metal.ntua.gr; katadam@metal.ntua.gr) doi: 10.4154/gc.2022.26 Abstract The Adria region which includes the countries of: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, and corresponds to the Dinarides, northwestern- most 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 meth- odology: (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 abun- dant mines and the availability of secondary raw materials. Nevertheless, there are many chal- lenges 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 fol- low international codes and standards, regulations related to environmental issues in the min- eral sector of Adria countries that do not comply with European legislation, and the limited avail- ability of qualified technical, scientific and managerial personnel involved in the whole mineral cycle. Therefore, actions and measures such as awareness campaigns to highlight the signifi- cance of Raw Materials in the sustainable development of the region, further exploration, re- serves calculation in alignment with internationally recognized codes, harmonization with spatial plans, and reforms to attract investors and capacity building programs should be taken for fur- ther development of the Adria region’s mineral sector in a sustainable manner. (1) Permian units related to early intracontinental rifting host- ing hydrothermal siderite-baryte polysulfide deposits, epigenetic sedimentary uranium deposits, red bed-type, sabkha-type copper and barite deposits and evaporites (PALINKAŠ et al., 2008), that are widespread mainly in the northern part of the Dinarides (Cro- atia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and partly Albania). Ongoing ex- ploitation in the region is related to (a) evaporites (Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania) and (b) gossans developed over primary siderite-polysulfide deposits (Bosnia and Herzegovina). (2) Advanced Triassic rifting with Mn-Fe-SEDEX and hy- drothermal iron-polysulfide-barite-mercury deposits with ongo- ing production/project activities in manganese and antimony de- posits in Bosnia and Herzegovina. (3) Jurassic oceanization associated with chromite, titano- magnetite, the platinum group elements (PGEs), Cu hydrothermal and magnesite deposits in the upper part of the ophiolite se- quences in the ophiolite zone of the inner Dinarides - Hellenides and coeval bauxites on the High Karst and Pre-Karst units. On- going geological prospecting and exploitation are focused on (a) copper, sometimes associated with Pb, Zn, Au, Ag, Se (Albania; MILUSHI, 2015; HORN et al., 2021), (b) bauxite, occasionally enriched with titanium and rare earth elements (REEs) (Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania; TOMAŠIĆ et al, Article history: Manuscript received December 31, 2021 Revised manuscript accepted July 01, 2022 Available online October 17, 2022 Keywords: raw materials potential, exploration and exploitation status, SWOT analysis, Gap analysis, Adria region mailto:sibila.borojevic-sostaric@rgn.unizg.hr mailto:gianstav@metal.ntua.gr G eo lo gi a C ro at ic a Geologia Croatica 75/Special Issue 318 2019; RADUSINOVIĆ & PAPADOPOLOULOS, 2021), (c) chro- mite- and titanomagnetite-bearing vanadium mineralization and PGEs, talc deposits (Albania; MILUSHI, 2015), and (c) magnesite (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia). (4) Late Jurassic to Cretaceous subduction and obduction of ophiolites with associated banatite magmatism hosting porphyry- type Cu-Mo-Au deposits associated with Pt, Pa, and Se in eastern Serbia (VLAD and BERZA, 2003), which have been mined for more than a hundred years in the Bor and Majdanpek areas. At the same time, most of the external Dinaric bauxite deposits formed on the High Karst and Pre-Karst units and are currently in operation in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania, while syngenetic phosphorite-bearing limestones of Upper Cretaceous age are mined in Albania (SERJANI, 1990; BRUNETT & RIGGS, 1992). Obducted ophiolite crust hosts Late Cretaceous (Fe)Ni-Co laterites in southern Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania, where several mines with ferronickel production but without cobalt extraction are in operation (HORN et al., 2021; ECONOMOU-ELIOPOULOS et al., 2021). (5) Extremely fertile are Paleogene collision and (6) Neogene post-collision and extension related magmatic and volcanic rocks hosting numerous working Pb-Zn (Ag, Au, Sb) mining fields and highly successful Li-B exploration projects in the Sava suture zone in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. The rich North Adriatic Late Paleogene bauxite de- posits (Croatia) are contemporaneous (KOVAČEVIĆ GALOVIĆ et al., 2012). Most of the bentonite and salt deposits are related to the Miocene Dinaride Lake system (GVERIĆ et al., 2020). After a century of modern exploitation of traditional metals (Fe, Al, Mn, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Au, Ag, Sb…), the Adria region also hosts numerous secondary raw materials sites with potential for supplying critical raw materials (CRMs). ŠAJN et al. (2022) pro- vides insight on the structure and value of such secondary de- posits, analysing 1650 mining and metallurgical waste sites, with approximately 2.6 Gt of waste. These authors concluded that 42 sites with 270 Mt of waste with increased quantities of Au, Ag, Bi, Cu, In, Mo, Rh, Sb, W and Zn corresponding to a profit of 18,100 Mt could be selected for recovery with high economic benefit. Within this special issue, several papers deal with criti- cal minerals in Adria and secondary raw materials sites (RADUSINOVIĆ et al., 2022; STEINER et al, 2022; SERAFI- MOVSKI et al., 2022). Undoubtedly, the raw material potential of the Adria region is great, both in metallic and industrial minerals. Therefore, the aim of this article is to assess the main strengths and challenges of the mineral sector in the Adria region using the following methodology: (1) presentation of the current status of mineral ex- ploration and exploitation; (2) SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of the Adria region, including geological potential, economic environment, legal and regulatory framework, innovation and technological framework, environ- mental protection, and spatial planning, governmental and social potential, human resources, and educational potential; (3) Gap analysis of the Adria region; and (4) integration of the obtained results in order to present the roadmap, i.e., a strategic plan that defines a goal or desired outcome and includes the key steps or milestones needed to increase investment in the mineral sector of the Adria region. 2. REGIONAL GEOLOGICAL SETTING The Dinarides are a 650 km long, folded, thrusted, and imbri- cated belt located between the Southern Alps to the northwest and the Hellenides to the south and southeast, with a northwest- southeast vergence (PAMIĆ et al. 1998). The Dinarides consist of several major tectonostratigraphic and lithostratigraphic units of different origin related to the Alpine-Carpathian orogenic pro- cess dating from the Palaeozoic to the Neogene (PAMIĆ et al. 1998; SCHMID et al. 2020). The predominant structures are large thrusts with SW vergence at a regional scale resulting in knappes and local klippes thrusted onto the Adria plate in its present position. The tectonic units include external and internal sectors from the Adriatic units toward the northeast to the ad- joining Tisia mega-tectonic unit (zonation follows the overviews of PAMIĆ et al. (1998) and SCHMID (2020; Fig. 1): (1) High Karst and Pre-karst units, (2) Bosnian flysch units, (3) Palaeozoic basement units, (4) Western Vardar Ophiolitic Unit and (5) the Sava suture zone. The High Karst and Pre-Karst units and their correlatives, together with the East Bosnian-Durmitor zone constitute the Ex- ternal Dinarides, while the Western Vardar Ophiolite unit and the Sava Suture Zone represent units of the Internal Dinarides. The High Karst and Pre-Karst units of the Upper Palaeozoic basement are overlain by Upper Permian to Norian clastics and platform carbonates with penecontemporaneous rift-related ig- neous rocks, a Norian-Lutetian carbonate platform, and Eocene overstep flysch sequences. Similarly, the Internal and External units of the Dinarides contain exposed Variscan basement units with various degrees of metamorphism (mainly up to green- schist, in some cases up to epidote-amphibolite facies). They are composed of Ordovician to Carboniferous (Permian) metasedi- ments and metavolcanics overlain by a mainly Triassic carbonate clastic cover. The Bosnian Flysch is a 4000-5000 m thick passive continental margin carbonate-clastic tectonostratigraphic unit of Jurassic to Late Cretaceous age. The Western Vardar Ophiolite zone consists of an ophiolite mélange, while Mesozoic radiolar- ite sequences are associated with basalt, greywacke and shale, and large ultramafic thrust sheets. These formations are overlain by Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous and Late Cretaceous overstep sequences, whereas the Sava Suture zone contains Late Creta- ceous to Palaeogene flysch associated with volcanics, tectonized ophiolite melange, regionally metamorphosed sequences derived from the surrounding Late Cretaceous-Palaeogene rocks and synkinematic granitoids. The geodynamic evolution of the Dinarides began with the Early Permian rifting of the Variscan basement (BOROJEVIĆ ŠOŠTARIĆ et al. 2009; BOROJEVIĆ ŠOŠTARIĆ et al. 2012), the opening of the Tethyan Ocean in the Late Triassic, followed by the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous subduction and emplace- ment of the Dinaric ophiolites (PAMIĆ et al., 1998). Parts of the Sava Suture zone remained open until the Early Paleogene (SCHMID et al., 2020). The boundary between the Dinarides and the Hellenides is considered to be the Skutari-Peć line, where units continue into Albania following the Dinaride zonation: (1) the External Alba- nides consisting of a pre-Apulian carbonate platform and flysch deposits in Early Oligocene- Middle Miocene fold- and thrust knappes of sedimentary rocks derived from the proximal facies of the continental margin of Adria (KILIAS et al., 2001); (2) the Pindos Zone with Jurassic ophiolitic massifs and Jurassic-Cre- taceous ophiolites and sedimentary cover units, underlain with continental and oceanic thrust slices of both (ROBERTSON & SHALLO, 2000); and (3) the Korabi-Palegonian Zone composed of the Hercynian basement of Ordovician to Devonian low-grade metamorphic rocks unconformably overlain by Permian- Lower G eologia C roatica Borojević Šoštarić et al.: The future of mining in the Adria region: current status, SWOT and Gap analysis of the mineral sector 319 Triassic rift-related deposits, followed by Middle Triassic - Upper Jurassic platform carbonates (ROBERTSON & SHALLO, 2000; BORTOLOTTI & PRINCIPI, 2005; MUCEKU et al., 2006). Units 2 and 3 corre- spond to the Internal Albanides (KILIAS et al., 2001). The Western and Eastern Vardar ophi- olite zones are located west and east of the Kopaonik unit, respectively. The Western Vardar ophiolite belt extends north-west to the Sava Suture zone, which includes much younger Cretaceous ophiolites with a back- arc affinity (PAMIĆ, 2002; SMIDT et al., 2008; USTASZEWSKI et al., 2009). The pre- Mesozoic and Mesozoic lithologies of the Western and Eastern Vardar Zone have been intruded and extruded by various types of Ce- nozoic magmatic rocks related to multiphase tectonic episodes; collision, transpression, postcollisional and extension (CVETKOVIĆ et al., 2000; CVETKOVIĆ et al., 2004; KO- RONEOS et al., 2011; PRELEVIĆ et al., 2013; SCHEFER et al., 2010). Figure 1. A simplified metallogenic map showing the important operating mines of metallic and non-metallic commodities in the ADRIA region). (modified after SCHMID et al., 2020). G eo lo gi a C ro at ic a Geologia Croatica 75/Special Issue 320 3. RAW MATERIAL EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION STATUS The exploration and exploitation status is described using the classification of mineral commodities, i.e. materials of economic interest in the Earth Resource into the following groups, accord- ing to the World Mining Data categories: (i) iron and ferro-alloy metals; (ii) non-ferrous metals; (iii) precious metals; and (iv) in- dustrial minerals. Mineral fuels are excluded from consideration. In the Western Balkan Register of the rESEErve project, indi- vidual deposits are classified according to the INSPIRE Directive (INSPIRE DIRECTIVE, 2007/2/EC). Based on the D2.8.III.21 Data Specification on Mineral Resources –Technical Guidelines related to INSPIRE, a statistical comparison with a large number of deposits worldwide allows classification of the deposits as A (very large), B (large), C (medium), or D (small) according to the tonnage of the examined commodity (see Annex F of the afore- mentioned Guidelines). Commodity rank is based on the endow- ment, i.e. (cumulated) past production + reserves (not including past production) + resources, or (if the deposit has never been exploited), reserves + resources. As an example, in the case of lead deposits of the A / B / C / D categories, these correspond to 5,000,000 / 500,000 / 50,000 / 5,000 t of lead (metal) content, re- spectively. Alternatively, for industrial minerals such as borates, the A / B / C / D categories correspond to tonnage of commodi- ties of 25,000,000 / 2,000,000 / 500,000 / 100,000 t of borates (B2O3) content, respectively. In the case of a deposit containing several commodities, this classification is expressed for each, and every commodity and the ranking follows the order of impor- tance taking into account the tonnages, scarcity, and price of the commodity. 3.1. Exploration status As logged in the WEST BALKAN MINERAL REGISTER (2021), and shown in Fig. 2 and Appendix 1, exploration activi- ties in the Adria region, are associated with (i) Iron and ferro-alloy metals in Albania and North Macedonia (iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, and titanium). Albanian feasibility stage projects are the Butmi and Su- kaxhi titanium magnetite projects (Class B) in Lezhë Municipal- ity and the Liqeni I Kuq iron-nickel project (Class C). The key strength for the country’s development is related to the Large Ti magnetite deposits, with Ti included in the List of critical raw materials for the EU (EUROPEAN COMMISSION, 2020). Fea- sibility-stage projects in North Macedonia, ranging in size from small to very large (Class D to A), include the Pehčevo and Iberli iron projects, the Rakle and Studena Voda iron-nickel projects, the Mitrašinci titanium-iron project, the Stogovo manganese proj- ect, the Strelci molybdenum project, and the Petrošnica molyb- denum-copper-gold project. The iron ore project at Tajmište is under development. (ii) Non-ferrous metals in Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Albania (aluminium, copper, lead, lithium, zinc). Exploration activities for bauxite in Montenegro are focused on eight greenfield sites within the Nikšić bauxite field, all of which are at the feasibility study stage. Total reserves and prob- able reserves are 5,466,000 t and 4,318,000 t, respectively. Four greenfield bauxite deposits in Oštrelj, Bosnia and Herzegovina, are pending approval. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Rupice and Veovača lead-zinc deposits (Class B and C, respectively) have exploration status, while the Vitlovac and Kazani lead deposits near the border with Serbia (Class B) are under construction. In addition, the Montenegro lead-zinc deposits (Classes C to B) Đurđeve vode, Paljevine, Ribnik, Igrišta, Brskovo and Strmošne bare (Sjekrica) and the Varine copper project (Class B) are at the feasibility stage. The Serbian Babe lead deposit is currently in the exploration phase. The North Macedonian Konjsko, Borov Dol, Ilovica, Kadiica, Kazan Dol, Plavica and Crn Vrv copper deposits and the Bašibos, Jamište and Blizanci lead-zinc deposits are at the feasibility study stage. Albanian copper deposits in the municipality of Fushë Arrëz, in the municipality of Korce, Cifij, and in the municipality of Has, Nikoliq 2, as well as in the mu- nicipality of Mirdite, Perlati Jugor, are also under construction. (iii) Precious metals in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia (gold and platinum group metals - palladium, platinum, rhodium). The Albanian Babje gold project (unknown size) and the PGE Bregu Bibes project (Class D) are under exploration, as are the Bakovići gold project in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kor- kan and Bigar Hill gold projects in Serbia. The North Macedo- nian Ilovica, Borov dol and Plavica Pb-Zn projects and Crn Vrv contain significant quantities of gold and/or silver. (iv) Industrial minerals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo (boron minerals, kaolinite). Li-B mineralization in the Adria region is associated with Miocene volcanic/pyroclastic activity in the Sava suture zone in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo. Several lithium and borate projects are currently being developed in the region. The Jadar project in Serbia is at a mature stage and aims to produce battery-grade lithium and borates (feasibility study developed). The project began with the discovery of the unique lithium so- dium borosilicate mineral jadarite (LiNaSiB3O7(OH)) in 2004. After a decade of exploration, RIO TINTO (2020) reported mea- sured reserves in 2020 of 16.6 million t at 1.81% Li2O and 13.4% B2O3, indicated resources of 55.2 million t at 1.68% Li2O and 17.9% B2O3, and inferred resources of 84.1 million t at 1.84% Li2O and 12.6% B2O3. The Valjevo lithium-borate project, cur- rently in the exploration phase, is located 60-70 km east of Jadar in Serbia and is a world-class deposit containing at least 10 Mt of lithium and 40 Mt of boron. In addition, several other lithium- borate exploration projects are located further south (Rekovec, Piskanja and Jarandol projects, central Serbia), the Viti project in Kosovo and the Vranje project on the border between Serbia and North Macedonia. Ongoing exploration is reported from the Lo- pare Basin in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 3.2 Exploitation status Ongoing mining activities in the Adria region, shown in Fig. 1 and Appendix 2, are related to the WEST BALKAN MINERAL REGISTER (2021): (i) Iron and ferro-alloy metals in Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina (iron, chromium, nickel, manganese). Chromium mining activities in Albania are concentrated in sev- eral small to medium size deposits (Batër (Class D), Bulqizë (D), Vlahën (Class D), Krastë (Class D), Thekën (Class D), Kalimash 2 Tr 1 (Class C), Qafë Bulli (Class C), Kalimash 1 TR 7 (Class C), Kalimash 3 Tr. 6, 6A,A (Class D), Zogaj 3 (Class D), Katjel (Class D), Batër (Class D), which contributed to > 40% of the G eologia C roatica Borojević Šoštarić et al.: The future of mining in the Adria region: current status, SWOT and Gap analysis of the mineral sector 321 country’s chromium production in 2019 (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). Albania hosts one nickel and several small- to medium- sized iron-nickel deposits that are currently exploited (Bitinckë (Class C), Skroskë (Class C), Trull (Class D), Kodra e Trullit (Class D), Debrovë (Class D), Kapshticë (Class D), and the Mamëz nickel ore mine (Class C)), resulting in annual nickel production of 2,960 t for 2019 (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). A small iron- nickel ore deposit (Groot; class D) is operating in Nort Macedo- nia. The Ljubija iron ore deposit in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Class B) is mined with a total production of 739,600 t of iron per year (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021; Appendix 2). Bosnia and Her- zegovina hosts a single Adria manganese mine from a medium- sized Popović Polje deposit (Class C). (ii) Non-ferrous metals in the Adria region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia) (bauxite (aluminium), copper, lead, selenium, zinc). Currently, several Albanian underground copper mines are operating in the municipalities of Mirditë: Munellë (Class B); Spaç (Class B); Gurth (Plakez) (Class C); Qafë Bari (Class C), with an annual production of 5,900 tonnes of copper (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). A very large copper ore deposit (Bučim; Class A) is exploited in North Macedonia. The annual copper production in Serbia is 43,550 t. Operating copper mines in the Bor district (Bor - Jama, Class A; Veliki Krivelj, Class A) and in the municipality of Majdanpek (very large deposits of Majdanpek North and South Revir) are sporadically enriched in selenium. The copper-gold deposit Čukaru Peki (Velojić et al., 2020, 2022; Banješević et al, 2019; Class A) started initial production in 2021. Mining of bauxite is mainly carried out in Bosnia and Her- zegovina, which has a long record in aluminium production. The bauxite mines operating in the Federation of Bosnia and Herze- govina, range in size from small to large (Cerovi Doci, Sobač - Tribistovo, Bojište, Jasenjani, Vučipolje - Tribistovo, Volujak - Kadim, Bešpelj, Crne Lokve - Gnjat, Crvene Stijene, Mratnjača, Poljane, Studena - Vrila - Zagorje and Široki Brijeg) and large mines in the Republic of Srpska (such as Gradina, Braćan, Crvene stijene and Kosturi) result in a national production of 67.690 t of aluminium extracted from 1,043,343 t of mined bauxite (Appen- dix 2). Montenegro is also an aluminium-producing country. In the municipalities of Niksic and Jablanica, 36,552 t of aluminium are produced from the small mines (class D) of Zagrad, Durakov do I, Biočki stan, and Štitovo II (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). Bosnia and Herzegovina exploits large to very large lead de- posits at Očekalj - Prgoševo (Class A) and Srebrenica - Sase (Class B), while Montenegro exploits the large Šuplja Stijena lead-zinc deposit (Class A), which produces 3,480 t of lead and 9,520 t of zinc annually (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). North Macedonia hosts very large and large lead-zinc ore deposits (Toranica (Class A), Sasa (Class A), Zletovo (Class B)). The cur- rent lead and zinc production of the country is quite significant and amounts to approximately 43,490 t of lead and 31,040 t of zinc, while the total annual production of non-ferrous metals reaches 81,761 t (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). The annual pro- duction of Serbian lead-zinc deposits is 13,930 t of lead and 10,560 t of zinc. Seven operating copper mines are medium to very large (Tenka 1,2 - North Revir, Rudnik, Belo Brdo, Veliki Majdan, Lece, Podvirovi, and Grot - Blagodat). Figure 2. Simplified metallogenic map showing important mines under development (modified after SCHMID et al., 2020). G eo lo gi a C ro at ic a Geologia Croatica 75/Special Issue 322 (iii) Precious metals in North Macedonia and Serbia (gold, platinum group metals (palladium, platinum), silver). In North Macedonia, gold concentrations are mined from the operating Bučim porphyry copper mine, contributing to the country’s annual production of 593 kg Au (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). Annual production of silver from large to very large lead and zinc deposits (Toranica, Sasa, Zletovo) and copper deposit (Bučim) is 17,880 kg. Serbian precious metal production in 2019 was equivalent to 1,452 kg of gold, 10 kg of palladium, 10 kg of platinum, and 14,502 kg of silver (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). Some examples of precious metal bearing deposits are the very large copper deposits North and South Revir of Majdanpek (Au, PGEs), Bor-Jama of Bor (Au), medium to large lead-zinc deposits of Rudnik (Class B), Belo Brdo (Class B), Veliki Majdan (Class C), Podvirovi (Class C), Grot - Blagodat (Class C) containing Ag and Lece (Class B) containing Au and Ag, whereas copper-gold deposits Čukaru Peki host significant quantities of gold (Velojić et al., 2020, 2022; Banješević et al, 2019; Class A). (iv) Industrial minerals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia and Serbia (bentonite, feldspar, gypsum and anhydrite, kaolin, magnesite, salt, talc, zeolite). A single large bentonite mine is located in Bosnia and Her- zegovina (Sokolac, B) and a single feldspar mine in North Mace- donia (Hamzali, Class C). Evaporite (gypsum and anhydrite) ex- ploitation includes large gypsum mines in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Dočići, B, Petkovac, B), Croatia with several depos- its (the largest is Kosovo polje) that contributed to production of 199,255 t in 2019 (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021), and North Mace- donia (Kosovrasti deposit, Class C). Significant kaolinite deposits exist in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Kobaš, class B), while several Serbian deposits are under exploitation. Magnesite production in Serbia includes several class A magnesite deposits at Krive Strane i Torine, wider locality of Čačak, and Ribnica, as well as deposits with undetermined reserves, such as Brezak. There is significant salt exploitation in Croatia (Pag, Nin, Ston) and Bosnia and Her- zegovina (Tuzla). Talc is mined in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while zeolites are extracted from several Serbian deposits (Korminjoš, Igroš - Vidojevići with unknown deposit size). Several deposits with ongoing exploitation of industrial minerals with undeter- mined reserves of kaolinite in Serbia are located at Kranjani, Beli Majdan and Garas, and borates in the Pobrde. Mineral production of the 6 Adria countries is taken from the World Mining Data annual report for 2019 (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). It is given in metric tonnes and in millions of USD (Tab. 1). The ranking of exploitation (in tonnes of mined ore) of the 6 Adria countries for 2019 is as follows: BiH > ALB > MKD > MNE > HRV. The ranking of revenues from exploita- tion is as follows: ALB > SRB > BiH > HRV > SRB > MNE. Tab. 1. Total mineral production in 2019 by country in met- ric T and in million USD (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021) 3.3. Abandoned mines’ locations Based on the WEST BALKAN MINERAL REGISTER (2021), cases of abandoned mines of interest for the growth of the min- eral sector are associated with (https://reseerve.eu/results): (i) Iron and ferro-alloy metals of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia (cobalt, molybdenum). Abandoned cobalt mines (lateritic crusts) could be an oppor- tunity for further exploration in Albania, as could the abandoned porphyry molybdenum deposits in Serbia. (ii) Non-ferrous metals in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and North Macedonia, Serbia) (antimony, arsenic, bauxite (aluminium), lead, zinc). In Albania, there are numerous abandoned hydrothermal an- timony mines. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, antimony is associ- ated with abandoned lead and zinc deposits, whereas within North Macedonia it is associated with arsenic ores. In Croatia, a number of abandoned bauxite deposits with unidentified reserves containing titanium, vanadium, and gal- lium are of interest for further exploration. Figure 3. A diagram illustrating the preparation process of the mineral sector SWOT analysis. https://reseerve.eu/results G eologia C roatica Borojević Šoštarić et al.: The future of mining in the Adria region: current status, SWOT and Gap analysis of the mineral sector 323 (iii) Industrial minerals of Albania (phosphates) The abandoned phosphate deposits of Albania are unique commodities in the Adria region and are of great interest for further explorationwith the phosphate rocks ranked as CAMs (EUROPEAN COMMISSION, 2020). 4. METHODOLOGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ROAD MAPS 4.1. SWOT analysis A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis is a method used for identifying and analysing internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats, that determine current and future operations and help develop strategic objectives (NAMUGENYA, 2019). SWOT is one of the many strategic tools used in the fields of strategic plan- ning and management. It is characterised by its simplicity, and it is widely applied in many sectors (KONG, 2008). In order to map and assess the current position of the mineral sector in the Adria countries, a SWOT analysis was conducted within the framework of the present study. The results provided the basis for the devel- opment of new strategic plans by combining the key strengths (the advantages over other competitors), weaknesses (the areas that need improvement compared to competitors), opportunities (trends and market gaps to exploit), and threats (external factors that may threaten the businesses) (see Fig. 3). Initially the 7 key areas for SWOT analysis were identified followed by the preparation of a SWOT analysis draft by the rep- resentatives of the geological service surveys of each country. These drafts were presented at the National thematic workshops organised in each country, within the framework of the EIT Raw Material project rESEErve - Mineral Potential of the ESEE Region. The second step included the involvement of stakeholders from industry, research institutions, academia as well as policy makers from each country, who participated in the National the- matic workshops and actively discussed the above prepared SWOTs. These discussions were organised in the form of team- work where the teams consisted of members representing differ- ent types of stakeholders. Such discussions were organised in person at the National thematic workshops in Bosnia and Herze- govina, Croatia and Montenegro. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, in the remaining countries (Albania, North Macedonia and Ser- bia), the National thematic workshops were organised online, and the opinions of different stakeholders were collected in advance in the form of questionnaires and discussed at the National the- matic workshops. For the finalisation of the SWOT analysis for each country and for the consistent assessment of the available data from the National thematic workshops, the rESEErve project deliverables, the reports of the international financial institutions and other published data were reviewed (Step 3). Within this framework the following seven key areas that have a positive or adverse im- pact on the development of the mineral sector were examined with a set of parameters and key performance indicators: 1. Geological potential: ores, industrial minerals, CRMs (EUROPEAN COMMISSION, 2020), secondary raw materials (SRMs), size of reserves, type of reserves (probable, proven), un- known reserves, exploration activities, greenfield areas and mines in feasibility stage, mines under development, research to produce added value materials, mainly from industrial minerals and rocks. 2. Economic environment: current and projected mineral production of the country, global demand for raw materials, eco- nomic stability of the country, GDP, GDP per capita, tax system, ease of doing business, infrastructure, financial product of mining, investment in the mining sector, state aid to the mining sector. 3. Legal and regulatory framework: state mineral policy and mining regulations; licencing procedures; exploration, min- ing, environmental and ownership regulations; control mecha- nisms; adoption of EU environmental legislation. 4. Innovation and technological framework: mining de- velopment status, innovation funding opportunities, technologi- cal status of processing plants, research and development (R&D) status. 5. Environmental protection and land use planning: pro- tected areas, waste management, contaminated brownfield sites, reclamation of old sites, land use planning, alternative use of pre- viously mined areas. 6. Government and societal potential: resource planning / sustainable management of resources, accessibility to resources, administrative drawback permitting/concessions, spatial plan- ning, state R&D strategy. 7. Human resources and educational potential: stake- holder involvement, education level and status of research and development, personnel qualified for mining activities, capacity building, and demographics. As a final step (Step 4), the national SWOT analyses was uni- fied into an integrated analysis for the Adria region. The geological potential is unique for each country, however, the legal, regulatory, land use planning and educational potential for the former Yugoslavian counties stems from the same legis- Figure 4. A schematic diagram illustrating the generic methodology of the gap analysis to determine the key steps for sustainable development of the extractive sector. G eo lo gi a C ro at ic a Geologia Croatica 75/Special Issue 324 lative processes, so they are comparable. Croatia, as a member of the European Union (EU), has already implemented the EU legal framework. 4.2. Gap analysis Gap analysis was used to identify the main gaps/barriers/obsta- cles in performing businesses requirements. To determine those gaps, it is essential to refer to where the entity/sector is today, and where it may go in the near future, setting the initial situation, the target situation, and the measures to be taken towards this di- rection (Fig. 4). To assess the existing status of the sector, the available information, as derived from the components of SWOT analysis were used. The evaluation included the identification of factors significantly affecting mineral sector growth, considering the specific characteristics of each Adria country. Following that, the major limitations preventing the Adria region’s mineral sec- tor boost were recorded and ranked, demonstrating the priority areas where countries present the same needs/gaps or contrasting ones. Limitations were recorded taking into consideration the seven, key-areas of SWOT analysis. SWOT and Gap analyses were used in the present study as the basis for the strategic plans to guide development in the raw materials business and strategic initiatives. The final step was the selection of the actions to be taken for the sustainable development of raw materials in the Adria region via roadmaps for the implementation in practise. Those actions are incorporated into the Adria region’s roadmap, focusing on the areas of geological, economic and business framework where the main constraints were recorded (Fig. 5). 5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 5.1. SWOT analysis of the Adria region 5.1.1. Geological potential The Strength of the Adria countries regarding Geological Poten- tial relates to their significant reserves of primary metallic (Cr, Sb, Pb, Zn, Mo, Au, Li) and industrial minerals (bauxites, bo- rates). These deposits are included in the WEST BALKAN MIN- ERAL REGISTER (2021) following the t D2.8.III.21 Data Spec- ification on Mineral Resources –Technical Guidelines related to INSPIRE Directive (INSPIRE DIRECTIVE, 2007/2/EC). More- over, these countries have active exploration areas, as well as a large number of developed mines (see Fig. 1). However, there is a lack of recent systematic exploration and corresponding databases for new CRMs for emerging technolo- gies (Li, B, REE) which is reported as a main Weakness. Another weakness regarding further exploration of the geological poten- tial of these countries focuses on the peculiarities of karst baux- ites, which are found in numerous small deposits (class D). Opportunities lie in the potential and current greenfield ex- ploration and brownfield operations (SCHODDE, 2021). Signifi- cant greenfield exploration in CRMs such as Li, B, Sb, and REEs in bauxites are recorded (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., 2021). Brownfield operations facilitate geological research and increase the existing reserves of primary and secondary (mining waste, tailings and metallurgical waste) metallic and industrial minerals. 5.1.2. Economic environment The total mineral production (excluding fossil fuels) of the Adria region in 2020 was 2,644 million USD (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2022). Hence, it contributed 1.65% of the sum of their nominal GDPs (based on REICHL and SCHATZ, (2022)), with Albanian mineral production being the highest contributor (1550 million USD, contributing more than 10% of the Albanian nominal GDP) and Croatia the lowest (15 million USD). The ease of doing busi- nesses in the Adria countries ranged approximately from 65% to 80%, with Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked in the lowest position among the 6 Adria countries examined (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., (2021)). In calculating the overall ease of doing business, indicators such as starting a business, obtaining construction per- mits, electricity supply, registering property, obtaining credit, pro- tecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency were considered. Four of the six economies under study were ranked as high as 51st Figure 5. Diagram illustrating the overall methodology. G eologia C roatica Borojević Šoštarić et al.: The future of mining in the Adria region: current status, SWOT and Gap analysis of the mineral sector 325 out of 190 economies, indicating that there is a framework in place to support future investment in the mineral sector (DOING BUSI- NESS, 2021). However, economic instabilities in non-EU coun- tries and underdeveloped local infrastructure (e.g., transportation infrastructure, energy infrastructure) are seen as weaknesses for the sector’s growth (WORLD BANK 2021). The general increase in demand for raw material (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021) and the interest of international mining com- panies in exploration and exploitation represents an opportunity for the mineral sector in Adria countries (EBRD, 2017; SCHODDE, 2021). However, the volatility of commodity prices on the world market and the underdeveloped downstream indus- try for certain raw materials are seen as a threat 5.1.3. Legal and regulatory framework In all the Adria countries, mineral resources are protected by the Constitution and the existing legal framework includes regula- tions for exploration, mining and mine waste treatment. However, methods for estimating reserves are not aligned with international standards, such as PERC/JORC/UNFC (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., 2021). Moreover, concession/exploration licencing proce- dures are reported as lengthy and in need of significant simplifi- cation, with institutional quality affecting investment activities (ESTRIN & UVALIC, 2014). In Bosnia and Herzegovina, further difficulties are faced due to the fact that the country consists of two entities, the Republic of Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with each entity having its own legislative, ex- ecutive, and judicial procedures. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a large part of the entity’s authorities has been transferred to the regional governments. A great opportunity for the Adria countries is that a large number of concessions for exploration and mining were issued by the local governments in the last 20 years. However, there is a threat of the application of more stringent environmental laws that could lead to additional restrictions on the permitting and implementation of mining operations. 5.1.4. Innovation and technological framework Among the Adria candidate and potential EU candidate countries for which data are available, gross domestic expenditure on R&D as a percentage of GDP in 2018 and 2019 ranged approximately from 0.2% in Bosnia and Herzegovina to 1% in Serbia, compared with an average of 2.2% in the EU (EUROPEAN COMMISION, 2022). Industry stakeholders report a lack of investment in green technology and research infrastructure for mining and processing. External funding for innovation and technological development are expected from regional, national and EU sources. 5.1.5. Environmental protection and land use planning There are positive examples the rehabilitation of old mining sites (WILLIAMS & MASLAĆ, 2010) however, the lack of harmoni- sation of spatial planning documents in regions with potential for mining activities is considered as a weakness. Consideration of protected areas in spatial planning docu- ments is an opportunity, however, enforcement of environmental legislation will impose additional restrictions on mining in non- EU countries that are in the process of implementing Natura 2000. 5.1.6. Government and social potential All Adria countries have national strategies to promote the sus- tainable development of mineral resources. However, the wider society is not sufficiently informed about the importance of raw materials in every-day life. Low social acceptance of mining and processing by local communities and non-governmental organizations poses a seri- ous threat to the further development of the mineral sector. 5.1.7. Human resources and educational potential The strength of the Adria region in terms of human resources and educational potential lies in the existing higher education institu- tions that cover the entire commodity value chain. Moreover, the active presence of the national organizations that promote the R&D of science and technology, as well as technological innova- tion activities considers another strength, towards this aim com- bined with various Research & Innovation programs for scientists and professionals that are currently underway. However, higher education raw materials related programs often need to be up- dated, and students’ interest in enrolling in these programs is low. In addition, there is an inadequate supply of lifelong learning courses for existing raw material professionals. Current activities in the Adria Region to develop new higher education programs that produce T-shaped professionals (collab- orative, empathetic, enthusiastic, open-minded, and visionary) and lifelong learning courses are seen as a great opportunity for the mineral sector in the future. However, declining demograph- ics and a brain drain pose a serious threat (MURPHYA and PAC- HERB, 2021); 5.2. Gap analysis of the Adria region Following the SWOT analysis, a Gap analysis was performed to determine barriers and obstacles for the further exploitation of the mineral sector in the Adria region. The barriers and obstacles were identified, emphasizing a countries’ current economic and business environment, mineral production, as well as geological potential, infrastructure, mining legal framework, support of the local communities and mineral state policies. Regarding policies adversely impacting the Raw Materials sector, the emphasis is placed on permit issues and the cooperation of competent author- ities. Gaps regarding mining in protected areas, spatial planning and its harmonization with mining legislation are also high- lighted. Regarding social aspects, a region’s needs for skilled hu- man resources and capacity building, are also recorded in the Adria region. A challenging obstacle is the acceptance of mining activities by local communities. General problems are: (1) the low level of confidence in the government and public administrations of Adria countries (often perceived by impacted local community to be driven by particular interest groups or as corrupt) to prop- erly regulate the mining industry; (2) misinterpretation of the en- vironmental risks of the project, usually by publicly exposed non experts, leading the local community to believe that economic benefits of the project are negligible compared to the overall risks for water, soil and air, and (3) infrequent, inadequate or delayed communication of the mining companies toward the local com- munity leaving the impression of non-transparencies. Very often, the initial conflict between local communities and the mining companies are recognised by various political parties, activists, or NGO as an ideal setting for popularity-raising, free media space or self-promotion, usually prior to approaching local or na- tional elections. Even though in the rESEErve project, the construction of the WEST BALKAN MINERAL REGISTER (2021) database as per the INSPIRE guidelines (INSPIRE DIRECTIVE, 2007/2/EC) covered areas where improvements are needed, gaps such as the lack of harmonisation of reserves estimation with international standards (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., 2021), and the absence G eo lo gi a C ro at ic a Geologia Croatica 75/Special Issue 326 of systematic exploration in some of the new areas presenting geological potential, are considered as constraints for the sector’s development. The economic environment for investments in the Adria countries is characterized by a rather low cooperation among the public and private sectors, with the need for more ad- vanced techniques/tools being considered as “a must” for invest- ment enhancement, as reported by the relevant stakeholders. The need to strengthen/reform/update the current legal and regulatory framework is a common conclusion among the 6 Adrian countries examined in this study. Areas to be improved are summarized below and include; the importance of simplifica- tion of the current raw materials legislation, given that the pro- cedures for obtaining concessions and exploration licenses was consistently considered as relatively time-consuming and com- plicated, there is an urgent need to implement reforms in line with the EU legislation, and Raw Materials strategies, as well as the implementation of activities for the long-term mineral resources’ policies (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., 2021). Despite the fact that the 6 examined countries have recently upgraded their national legal framework in relation to the mineral sector and to business environment regulatory areas, it is also recognized that mineral policy, land planning, mineral laws and regulations for exploration and mining, need further reforms to integrate spatial planning legislation and provide a clear mineral policy and strategy regarding access to resources and safeguard- ing of reserves (e.g., MATI, 2017). Concerning spatial planning, one of the gaps recorded is the absence of its harmonization with mineral plans. Moreover, alignment of spatial planning with other land-uses, e.g., spatial mineral plans, at different levels of state, county, municipality, are required for enhancing the internal in- vestments (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., 2021). Furthermore, as reported by the stakeholders, active in the Adria region, human resources, and capacity building are areas for improvements needed to support the sector’s potential growth. A low level or absence of cooperation between universities, in- dustry, research institutions, and the state authorities represent a major gap to be covered in future steps. At the same time, the re- duced number of skilled professionals and technical staff due to the “brain drain” (MURPHYA and PACHERB, 2021) and the low interest for studies in the raw materials fields such as geol- ogy, results in the generation of a rather low number of profes- sionals to cover the sector’s needs. The reducing number of skilled raw materials professionals combined with the lack of knowledge of new technologies, mainly for the exploitation of CRM deposits are constraints to be mitigated (GIANNAKO- POULOU et al., 2021; MELCHER & REICHL, 2017). 5.3. Roadmap for the raw materials investment in the Adria countries As already described, SWOT/Gap Analysis for the development of the Raw Materials sector in the Adrian countries examined was performed in the present study. This followed a comprehen- sive literature review, and active consultation with the stakehold- ers, with the emphasis placed in the 7 National Thematic Work- shops conducted in the countries under study. Subsequently, assessment and evaluation of the above SWOT/Gap analysis results, provided the basis for the develop- ment of a General Strategy roadmap presenting the relevant ac- tions required for the sustainable development of the mineral sec- tor of the Adria region. With this aim, the general strategy roadmap included the fol- lowing actions, related to 5 key areas linked with the SWOT/Gap analysis components: Stakeholders’ consent and awareness. Local communi- ties/ public authorities/ professional associations are key stake- holders for the implementation of the different stages of a mining project, however public consultation and permit issue is a process often delayed in Adria countries. Given that social acceptance and stakeholders’ consent is required during the whole life cycle of a mining project, starting from permits, to operation, closure and post-closure stages, agreement and active cooperation among authorities and stakeholders is considered a necessity. Constitutional acts of the Adria countries are defining min- eral resources to be of primary national interest, however proper education on the importance of the Raw Materials sector in eve- ryday life (“we grow it, or we mine it = agriculture and raw ma- terials”) is left to be promoted by professional organisations with limited capacities and knowledge. Geology is the only natural science outside secondary school curricula, and often erroneous/ unreviewed information on mineral resources appears in text- books, influencing an early negative perception of the mining and metallurgical community by the wider society. The authors sug- gest including important elements on raw materials exploration, mining, processing and recycling in the primary and secondary schools’ curricula as well as creating relevant life-long learning courses for high-school teachers. Wider society learning courses should bring basic understanding to the broader public. Timely awareness-raising campaigns starting prior to the first geological prospection is proposed as one of the tools, aim- ing to inform different types of stakeholders on employment op- portunities in the Raw Materials sector, its contribution to local infrastructure development, the regional and national economies, and the need to jointly mitigate the obstacles that adversely im- pact the development of the region, and the steps required to achieve the Social License to Operate. Thus, wider society learn- ing and awareness - raising will contribute to avoid misconcep- tions and build a trustworthy relationship between the Mining Industry –and local stakeholders setting the basis for the required social acceptance. Quality of geological potential data. In the Adria region, geological potential data are available in the countries’ digital databases. However, in order to attract investors’ interest and fi- nancing, in addition to the identification of the type of resources, i.e., inferred, indicated, measured, or the classification of the re- serves of a deposit for the commodities of interest into probable and proved, it is also essential that domestic or foreign companies report the results of their exploration activities and classify min- eral resources, and ore reserves according to internationally ac- cepted standards. As noted in the Gap analysis, the above clas- sification is proposed to be conducted in line with the international codes for public reporting of exploration results, mineral re- sources and ore reserves, including JORC (Australian Joint Ore Reserves Committee Code), PERC (Pan European Reserves and Resources Reporting Committee Code), CIM (Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum), UNFC (United Nation Framework Classification for Resources) etc. (GIANNAKOPOU- LOU et al., 2021). Moreover, and in order to improve the level of confidence of the available geological data and reserves estimation per com- modity, further exploration work for certain primary raw materi- als is proposed as an action to support the development of the RMs sector. In summary, further exploration to enhance the qual- G eologia C roatica Borojević Šoštarić et al.: The future of mining in the Adria region: current status, SWOT and Gap analysis of the mineral sector 327 ity control of available Minerals Register’s data, and alignment with internationally acceptable codes, are considered as actions leading to the sector’s development. Reforms/updates of legislation and codification of regu- lations: based on the SWOT and Gap analysis results, interven- tions in the following five areas were identified as a priority in order to circumvent legal constraints: (1) Mineral policy and strat- egy of the state; (2) Licensing and permit procedures for explora- tion and exploitation activities; (3) Royalties / fees and compen- satory benefits; (4) Harmonization of Spatial Plans, and Alignment with the EU environmental legislation to delineate and manage nature protected areas and restore historic and/or abandoned sites, (5) Codification and Simplification of the mining regula- tions and legislation, is also necessary, while the mapping of ad- ditional areas of legal constraints is recommended (GIANNA- KOPOULOU et al., 2021). The Adria countries examined, take steps for upgrading mining legislation, focusing on the direction of mining activities to become an essential pillar for the economy (SOHOL, 2017). Even though the national legal framework related to the Min- erals sector and the business environment regulatory areas has been recently upgraded, issues such as protection of the sustain- able development of mineral resources of public importance, in line with the EU legislation are not considered in the currently prevailing legislation. Moreover, simplification of the permit pro- cedures is essential, regulating the competencies and the respon- sibilities of the related authorities, and enhancing the cooperation among different levels of state government. The lack of harmo- nisation among the different levels of spatial planning, and the non- alignment with EU directives needs to be mitigated with a special spatial mineral plan per country. Royalties / fees need to be re-assessed taking into consideration the value of the com- modity mined, while the need for benefits for local communities was also noted. Competitiveness and financing dimension: Stakeholders consider that the competitiveness of the sector is a multi - faceted task covering areas such as enhancing research and development activities, technology transfer for upgrading and increasing the capacity of existing mines and plants, and vertical integration of the mineral sector. Funded research programs, funding develop- ment and reconstruction are common practices to attract EU and international financial resources for enhancing exploration and other research activities of the sector and supporting growth in investments. It is thus concluded that reforms are needed for attracting investors and creating a favourable business environment. Indi- cators such as starting a business, dealing with construction per- mits and enforcing contracts were determined as significant as- pects that need improvement in order to further enhance Adria region’s business environment (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., 2021; https://www.doingbusiness.org). With this aim, scoping technical studies per country are pro- posed for identifying the special needs to promote countries’ po- tential in raw materials. Technology transfer, application of in- novative methods for exploration, exploitation, or processing, increase of the processing plants’ capacity, modernizing facili- ties, reprocessing SRMs, etc., will result in the reduction of op- erating costs, and overall improvement of economic performance, the vertical integration of the Raw Materials sector, the produc- tion of new added value products and the opening of new markets. Actions for the reduction of the environmental footprint of the sector including extraction waste management and reclamation of mined out areas should also be included. Moreover, focused funded research projects in cooperation with the industry are proposed, in order to solve specific techni- cal problems. With this aim, comprehensive review studies may be needed on the state-of-the art techniques for the overall treat- ment of selected mineral raw materials including CRMs. Market research and feasibility studies covering the overall spectrum of the products of interest are required in order to document the sus- tainability of the proposed changes and/or upgrades in mines and plants. Human resources and capacity building. The need to en- hance the skills of the technical, scientific and managerial per- sonnel involved in the whole cycle of raw materials activities is a common conclusion. Reduction of skilled professionals and technical staff linked to a “brain drain“ (MURPHYA & PACH- ERB, 2021) or for other reasons (e.g. limited interest in the raw materials sector in general) and limited expertise in new tech- nologies for exploration, mining and processing of ores and wastes, are some of the issues reported by the stakeholders in the countries examined. Gaps have been also noticed between the existing educational programs and the present and future needs of the raw materials sector. A need to enhance the cooperation in the knowledge – triangle of universities, research and technol- ogy organizations, and industry in different areas was also noted (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., 2021). Capacity building programs for training of scientists and technical staff, given the increased emerging needs in the mineral sector of the region (SCHODDE, 2021), are considered as necessary, with Croatia having already made steps as an active partner in the regional inovation scheeme (RIS) projects founded by the European Institute for Inovation and Technology (EIT) projects. Strengthening innovation, entre- preneurship, and cooperation with the participation in EIT Raw Materials RIS or other types of EU funded projects, as well in- volvement of the specific target groups in thematic training, and lifelong learning programs are proposed as key measures for technology transfer and capacity building. 6. CONCLUSIONS The Adria region has a long history of mining, however the min- eral sector currently faces a variety of challenges that prevent its sustainable development. The SWOT analyses performed for the ESEE countries ex- amined, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia covered parameters such as geo- logical potential, economic environment, legal and regulatory framework, innovation and technological framework, environ- mental protection and land use planning, governmental and so- cietal potential, human resources, and education potential. SWOT Analyses results served as the basis for the Gap anal- ysis, and the integration of the results obtained into regional strengths and challenges in order to create a roadmap for invest- ment in the mining sector. Adria countries have significant reserves of primary metal- lic and industrial minerals and active exploration areas, as well as a large number of operating mines. The total mineral produc- tion versus the current GDP for the Adria countries was calcu- lated as close to 4%, whereas in all countries examined, mineral resources are protected by the constitution and there is a legal framework regulating exploration, mining and treatment of mine waste. Moreover, the presence of national higher education insti- tutions that cover the entire raw materials value chain, as well as G eo lo gi a C ro at ic a Geologia Croatica 75/Special Issue 328 national organizations that facilitate R&D activities are consid- ered as factors supporting the development of the Mineral sector. Despite these strengths, the mineral sector in the Adria re- gion faces a number of challenges related to reduced social ac- ceptance, the lack of new exploration campaigns in many areas, estimation of resources or reserves not aligned with international codes and standards, and lack of skilled technical, scientific and managerial personnel involved in the whole cycle of mineral ac- tivities. The Adria countries have uneven potential in terms of min- eral resources. However, apart from Albania, they all emerged from the disintegration of the same state (Yugoslavia) and present many similar weaknesses regarding the prevailing business en- vironment and business opportunities. Croatia stands out from the other Adria countries in terms of opportunities, as it is the only EU member state. Actions proposed for the sustainable development of the mineral sector in the Adria region include: Awareness raising campaigns to obtain the required social license to operate and gain stakeholders’ knowledge of the sector and consent; Further exploration activities to increase the level of confi- dence and reserves, quality control of the West Balkan Min- eral Register’s data (WEST BALKAN MINERAL REGIS- TER, 2021) and alignment with internationally recognized codes, such as JORC, PERC, CIM, UNFC; Harmonization with spatial planning and alignment with rel- evant EU environmental EU legislation; Reforms to attract investors and create a favourable business environment focusing on areas such as opening business/ dealing with construction permits/enforcing contracts; Capacity building programs. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This contribution is supported by the project “rESEErve - Min- eral potential of the ESEE region” funded by the European Insti- tute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of European Union, under the Horizon 2020, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The authors would like to thank for the help following rESEErve project partners: geological surveys of Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, The Federation of Bosnia and Her- zegovina and The Republic of Srpska and Montenegro as well as Faculty of Mining and geology of University of Belgrade and Macedonian ecological society. Data presented in this paper are related to deliverables rE- SEErve D6.1; D6.2; D6.3, and the WEST BALKAN MINERAL REGISTER (2021). REFERENCES BANJEŠEVIĆ, M., CVETKOVIĆ, V., VON QUADT, A., LJUBOVIĆ OBRADOVIĆ, D., VASIĆ, N., PAČEVSKI, A. & PEYTCHEVA, I. 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Primary mineral deposits of the ADRIA region in the exploration phase (based on the WEST BALKAN MINERAL REGISTER, 2021). UD: Under Development, F: Feasibility, PA: Pending Approval, Constr.: Construction; *No records at the West Balkan Mineral Register - location is not accurate. Num- bering Mines (INSPIRE) Greenfields (INSPIRE) Municipality Lat. WGS 84 (INSPIRE) Lon. WGS 84 (INSPIRE) Commodity Group (INSPIRE) Metal (INSPIRE) Minor Metal (symbol) Deposit Class (INSPIRE) Current Status (INSPIRE) Type of Deposit (INSPIRE) 1' Strelci Kičevo 41.5280 21.0136 Molybdenum ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Mo Cu, Fe, Mn A F graniticIgneous- RocksAndPegma- tites 2' Rakle Prilep 41.4180 21.7426 Iron-nickel ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Fe, Ni Co, Cr A F laterite 3' Kazan Dol Valandovo, Bogdanci, Dojran 41.2607 22.5725 Copper ore, Base metals Cu Pb, Zn, Cd, As, Sb, Se, Te, W, Mo, Bi, Sn A Constr. veinPolymetallic 4' Ilovica Bosilovo, Novo Selo 41.4825 22.8427 Copper ore, Base metals Cu, Au Ag, Mo A PA, Constr. porphyry 5' Borov Dol Konče, Štip 41.6009 22.3354 Copper ore, Base metals Cu, Au, Ag Fe, Mn, Mo A Constr. porphyry 6' Kadiica Pehčevo 41.8073 22.9084 Copper ore, Base metals Cu Fe, Mn, Mo A Constr. porphyry 7' Plavica and Crn Vrv Kratovo, Probištip 42.0449 22.1761 Copper ore, Base metals Cu, Ag, Au Pb, Zn A PA, Constr. porphyry 1 Çiflig Korçë 40.4815 20.6138 Copper ore, Base metals Cu C F maficToUltra- maficEffusiveVol- canism 2 Liqeni I Kuq Librazhd 41.1142 20.3270 Iron-nickel ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Fe C F laterite 3 Babe Barajevo, Sopot, Voždovac 44.5356 20.5248 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn, Ag Fe, Cu, As unknown UD polymetallicMan- to 4 Perlati Jugor Mirditë 41.7243 19.9915 Copper ore, Base metals Cu B F maficToUltra- maficEffusiveVol- canism 5 Butmi Lezhë 41.8733 19.8034 Titanium-magnetite ore, Special and rare metals Ti B F nonOrganic 6 Sukaxhi Lezhë 41.9061 19.8712 Titanium-magnetite ore, Special and rare metals Ti B F nonOrganic 7 Tuçi Lindor Fushë Arrëz 42.0335 20.1070 Copper ore, Base metals Cu Au Β F maficToUltra- maficEffusiveVol- canism 8 Nikoliq 2 Has 42.2347 20.4264 Copper ore, Base metals Cu C F maficToUltra- maficEffusiveVol- canism 9 Bregu Bibes Tropojë 42.3115 20.2528 PGE, Precious metals Pt Pt D F ophiolite 10 Stogovo Debar, Centar Župa, Kičevo, Struga, Debarca 41.4301 20.6722 Mangenese ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Mn Ni, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn C F sedimentaryMan- ganese 11 Tajmište Kičevo, Mavrovo and Rostuše 41.6192 20.8178 Iron ore (carbonate), Iron and ferro-alloys metals Fe D UD bandedIronFor- mation 12 Studena Voda Kavadarci 41.1562 21.9861 Iron-nickel ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Fe, Ni Co, Cr D F laterite 13 Konjsko (Javorak) Nikšić 42.5942 19.2174 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al D- F bauxite 14 Bašibos Valandovo 41.3028 22.7137 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn Cu, Ag, Bi, Au B F veinPolymetallic 15 Iberli Demir Kapija 41.4770 22.3251 Iron ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Fe, Zn, Cu Mn, Ag, W, Be, Bi, Cd, Sr D F skarnAndCarbon- ateReplacement 16 Mitrašinci Berovo 41.7408 22.6862 Titanium-iron ore, Special and rare metals Ti, Fe Ni, V unknown F maficToUltramafi- cIntrusion 17 Pehčevo Pehčevo 41.7705 22.9178 Iron ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Fe Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, Al, Ti D F shorelineOrMarin- ePlacer 18 Jamište Probištip 42.0600 22.2796 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn Cu, Au, Cd B F polymetallicMan- to 19 Blizanci Probištip 42.0529 22.2172 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn Cu, Mn B F veinPolymetallic 20 Petrošnica Staro Nagoričane 42.2195 21.9759 Molybdenum copper gold ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Mo, Cu, AU, Ag Sb, Zn, Pb, Ba, Sn unknown F G eologia C roatica Borojević Šoštarić et al.: The future of mining in the Adria region: current status, SWOT and Gap analysis of the mineral sector 331 Num- bering Mines (INSPIRE) Greenfields (INSPIRE) Municipality Lat. WGS 84 (INSPIRE) Lon. WGS 84 (INSPIRE) Commodity Group (INSPIRE) Metal (INSPIRE) Minor Metal (symbol) Deposit Class (INSPIRE) Current Status (INSPIRE) Type of Deposit (INSPIRE) 21 Konjsko Gevgelija, Kavadarci 41.1905 22.2609 Copper ore, Base metals Cu, Au, Ag Zn, As, Sb unknown F polymetallicMan- to 22 Međugorje Nikšić 42.6365 19.2278 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al D- F bauxite 23 Međeđe Nikšić 42.7140 18.9296 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe D F bauxite 24 Đelov do Nikšić 42.7143 18.6999 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si D F bauxite 25 Laz Nikšić 42.7608 19.0303 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si D- F bauxite 26 Strašnica Nikšić 42.8525 19.0557 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si D- F bauxite 27 Bršno (Raline) Niksic 42.7258 19.0244 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si D F bauxite 28 Crvenjaci Niksic 42.7004 19.1399 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si D F bauxite 29 Strmošne bare (Sjekrica) Berane 42.7203 19.8976 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb,Zn Cu C F polymetallicMan- to 30 Brskovo Mojkovac 42.9500 19.6258 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb,Zn Cu B UD polymetallicMan- to 31 Igrišta Mojkovac 42.9598 19.6227 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn Cu B F polymetallicMan- to 32 Varine Pljevlja 43.1775 19.3832 Copper ore, Base metals Cu Cu B F maficVolcanism- MassiveSulphide 33 Đurđeve vode Pljevlja 43.3747 19.0440 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn Cu B F polymetallicMan- to 34 Paljevine Pljevlja 43.3710 19.0500 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb,Zn Cu C F polymetallicMan- to 35 Ribnik Pljevlja 43.3691 19.0598 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb,Zn Cu C F polymetallicMan- to 36 Vranje* Vranje 42.9400 21.2627 Borates-lithium ore, Minerals for chemical use unknown UD 37 Viti* Viti 43.0887 20.9237 Borates-lithium ore, Minerals for chemical use unknown UD 38 Piskanja Raška 43.3793 20.6474 Borates, Minerals for chemical use unknown UD nonOrganic 39 Jadar Loznica 44.5268 19.3541 Borates-lithium ore, Minerals for chemical use Li unknown UD nonOrganic 40 Valjevo* Valjevo 44.4557 20.4716 Borates-lithium ore, Minerals for chemical use unknown UD 41 Babje Librazhd 41.1591 20.3098 Gold ore, Precious metals Au unknown F orogenicGold 42 Rekovac* Rekovac 43.9180 20.9202 Borates-lithium ore, Minerals for chemical use unknown UD 43 Bigar Hill Žagubica and Majdanpek 44.2354 21.8816 Gold ore, Precious metals Au unknown UD CarlinTypeCar- bonateHosted 44 Korkan Bor and Žagubica 44.2543 21.8894 Gold ore, Precious metals Au unknown UD CarlinTypeCar- bonateHosted 45 Bakovici Fojnica 43.9398 17.9296 Gold ore, Precious metals Au Ag C UD orogenicGold 46 Rupice Vareš 44.1927 18.2393 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn, Ag, Au Cu, Sb, Hg B UD shaleHosted 47 Veovaca Vareš 44.1509 18.3625 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb,Zn Ag, Hg C UD shaleHosted 48 Vitlovac Srebrenica 44.1170 19.3080 Lead ore, Base metals Pb, Zn Cd, Ag, Sn, Sb, S, Mn B Constr. polymetallicMan- to 49 Kazani Srebrenica 44.1130 19.2870 Lead ore, Base metals Pb, Zn Cd, Ag, Sn, Sb, S, Mn B Constr. polymetallicMan- to 50 Lopare* Lopare 44.6024 18.8159 Borates, Minerals for chemical use unknown UD 51 Oštrelj Sanski Most 44.7591 16.3149 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al D- PA bauxite Appendix 1. continued. G eo lo gi a C ro at ic a Geologia Croatica 75/Special Issue 332 Appendix 2. Primary mineral deposits of the ADRIA region in the exploitation phase (based on the WEST BALKAN MINERAL REGISTER, 2021). Legend: O: Operating, OI: Operat- ing Intermittently, OC: Operating Continuously. Num- bering Mines (INSPIRE) Greenfields (INSPIRE) Municipality Lat. WGS 84 (INSPIRE) Lon. WGS 84 (INSPIRE) Commodity Group (INSPIRE) Metal (INSPIRE) Minor Metal (symbol) Deposit Class (INSPIRE) Current Status (INSPIRE) Type of Deposit (INSPIRE) 1' Bučim Radoviš, Štip 41.6617 22.3506 Copper ore, Base metals Cu, Au, Ag Fe, Mn, Mo, Bi, Se, Pd, Ti A OC porphyry 2' Sasa Makedonska Kamenica 42.1267 22.5066 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn, Ag Ag, Cd, In, Co, Bi, Cu, Sb A OC skarnAndCarbon- ateReplacement 3' Šuplja Stijena Pljevlja 43.3801 19.0440 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn Cu A O polymetallicManto 4' Veliki Krivelj Bor 44.1236 22.1139 Copper ore, Base metals Cu, Fe Cu A O porphyry 5' Bor - Jama Bor 44.0894 22.1006 Copper ore, Base metals Cu, Au Fe, Au A O highSulphidation 6' Majdanpek - S. Revir Majdanpek 44.4254 21.9239 Copper ore, Base metals Cu, Au Se, PGE, Ag, Cd (recoverable) A O porphyry 7' Majdanpek - N. Revir Majdanpek 44.4107 21.9319 Copper ore, Base metals Cu, Au Se, PGE, Ag, Cd (recoverable) A O porphyry 8' Očekalj - Prgoševo Olovo 44.0953 18.6036 Lead ore, Base metals Pb A OC carbonateHosted 1 Kapshticë Devoll 40.6098 21.0218 Iron-nickel ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Fe D O laterite 2 Bitinckë Devoll 40.6372 20.9913 Iron-nickel ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Fe Co C O laterite 3 Debrovë Pogradec 40.9916 20.4644 Iron-nickel ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Fe Co D O laterite 4 Katjel Prenjas 41.0376 20.5668 Chrome ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Cr2O3 D O ophiolite 5 Skroskë Prrenjas 41.1073 20.4944 Iron-nickel ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Fe Co C O laterite 6 Batër Bulqizë 41.4586 20.2369 Chrome ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Cr2O3 D O ophiolite 7 Bulqizë Bulqizë 41.4786 20.2247 Chrome ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Cr2O3 D O ophiolite 8 Krastë Bulqizë 41.4301 20.2203 Chrome ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Cr2O3 D O ophiolite 9 Thekën Bulqizë 41.4202 20.2902 Chrome ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Cr2O3 D O ophiolite 11 Batër Bulqizë 41.4539 20.2347 Chrome ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Cr2O3 D O ophiolite 11 Qafë Bulli Peshkopi 41.4771 20.1988 Chrome ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Cr2O3 C O ophiolite 12 Spaç Mirditë 41.9010 20.0554 Copper ore, Base metals Cu Au B O maficToUltra- maficEffusiveVolca- nism 13 Gurth - (Plakez) Mirditë 41.9182 20.0690 Copper ore, Base metals Cu C O maficToUltramafi- cIntrusion 14 Munellë Fushë Arrëz 41.9737 20.0815 Copper ore, Base metals Cu Zn, Pb, Au, Ag B O maficToUltra- maficEffusiveVolca- nism 15 Qafë Bari Fushë Arrëz 41.9972 20.0753 Copper ore, Base metals Cu Au C O maficToUltra- maficEffusiveVolca- nism 16 Mamëz Kukës 42.0550 20.3777 Nickel ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Ni C O laterite 17 Kalimash 1 TR 7 Kukës 42.0524 20.2741 Chrome ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Cr2O3 C O ophiolite 18 Kalimash 2 Tr 1 Kukës 42.0562 20.2995 Chrome ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Cr2O3 C O ophiolite G eologia C roatica Borojević Šoštarić et al.: The future of mining in the Adria region: current status, SWOT and Gap analysis of the mineral sector 333 Num- bering Mines (INSPIRE) Greenfields (INSPIRE) Municipality Lat. WGS 84 (INSPIRE) Lon. WGS 84 (INSPIRE) Commodity Group (INSPIRE) Metal (INSPIRE) Minor Metal (symbol) Deposit Class (INSPIRE) Current Status (INSPIRE) Type of Deposit (INSPIRE) 19 Kalimash 3 Tr. 6, 6A,A Kukës 42.0469 20.3069 Chrome ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Cr2O3 D O ophiolite 20 Trull Kukës 42.0215 20.3381 Iron-nickel ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Fe Co D O laterite 21 Kodra e Trullit Kukës 42.0165 20.3230 Iron-nickel ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Fe Co D O laterite 22 Vlahën Has 42.2320 20.4782 Chrome ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Cr2O3 D O ophiolite 23 Zogaj 3 Tropojë 42.3040 20.3005 Chrome ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Cr2O3 D O ophiolite 24 Kosovrasti Debar 41.5255 20.5635 Gypsum, Building raw materials C OC evaporite 25 Groot Veles 41.7374 21.7231 Iron-nickel ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Fe, Ni Co D OC laterite 26 Hamzali Bosilovo 41.5199 22.7696 Feldspathic raw material (ceramics), Ceramic and refractory minerals C OC graniticIgneous- RocksAndPegma- tites 27 Zletovo Probištip, Kratovo 42.0332 22.2052 Lead zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn, Ag Ag, Cd, Cu, In, Ga, Au B OC veinPolymetallic 28 Toranica Kriva Palanka, Makedonska Kamenica 42.1593 22.4915 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn, Ag Fe, Cu, As, Bi, Mn B OC skarnAndCarbon- ateReplacement 29 Durakov do I Niksic 42.7623 19.1618 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si D O bauxite 30 Biočki stan Niksic 42.7532 19.1678 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si D O bauxite 31 Štitovo II Niksic 42.7352 19.1735 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si D O bauxite 32 Zagrad Niksic 42.7631 19.0861 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si D O bauxite 33 Podvirovi Bosilegrad 42.3509 22.3360 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn Fe, Mn, Au, As C O polymetallicManto 34 Grot - Blagodat Vranje 42.5294 22.2387 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Zn, Pb, Ag Cd, Cu, Au, As C O skarnAndCarbon- ateReplacement 35 Korminjoš Vranje 42.5056 21.9150 Zeolites, Minerals for chemical use Unknown O nonOrganic 36 Lece Medveđa 42.8876 21.5832 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn Fe, Au B O polymetallicManto 37 Igroš - Vidojevići Brus 43.3691 21.1026 Zeolites, Minerals for chemical use Unknown O nonOrganic 38 Belo Brdo Leposavić 43.2526 20.8493 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn, Fe As, Cu B O skarnAndCarbon- ateReplacement 39 Pobrđe Raška 43.3950 20.6149 Borates, Minerals for chemical use Unknown O nonOrganic 40 Krive Strane i Torine Čajetina 43.6982 19.6700 Magnesite, Minerals for chemical use Mg Unknown O ophiolite 41 Ribnica Čajetina 43.6924 19.6136 Magnesite, Minerals for chemical use Mg Unknown O ophiolite 42 Brezak Čačak 43.9903 20.2152 Magnesite, Minerals for chemical use Mg Unknown O ophiolite 43 wider locality of Čačak Čačak 43.9933 20.3059 Magnesite, Minerals for chemical use Mg Unknown O ophiolite 44 Rudnik Gornji Milanovac 44.1176 20.5198 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn Fe, Cu, As B O skarnAndCarbon- ateReplacement 45 Garasi Aranđelovac 44.3058 20.4720 Clays (kaolinite), Ceramic and refractory minerals Unknown O laterite 46 Veliki Majdan Ljubovija 44.3040 19.3001 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Pb, Zn Fe, Cu, As C O polymetallicManto 47 Kranjani Valjevo 44.4467 19.6513 Clays (kaolinite), Ceramic and refractory minerals Unknown O shorelineOrMarin- ePlacer Appendix 2. continued. G eo lo gi a C ro at ic a Geologia Croatica 75/Special Issue 334 Num- bering Mines (INSPIRE) Greenfields (INSPIRE) Municipality Lat. WGS 84 (INSPIRE) Lon. WGS 84 (INSPIRE) Commodity Group (INSPIRE) Metal (INSPIRE) Minor Metal (symbol) Deposit Class (INSPIRE) Current Status (INSPIRE) Type of Deposit (INSPIRE) 48 Beli Majdan Loznica 44.5764 19.3516 Clays (kaolinite), Ceramic and refractory minerals Unknown O laterite 49 Tenka 1,2 - North Revir Majdanpek 44.4314 21.9175 Lead-zinc ore, Base metals Zn, Cu Fe, Pb, Au, Ag B O polymetallicManto 50 Crveni pijesci-Pleće Trebinje 42.8670 18.2910 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Al D O laterite 51 Jasenjani Mostar 43.1322 17.7585 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al D- OI bauxite 52 Široki Brijeg Široki Brijeg 43.4334 17.5961 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si D- OC bauxite 53 Cerovi Doci Posušje 43.4701 17.5268 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti D- OI bauxite 54 Vučipolje- Tribistovo Posušje 43.4790 17.5133 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al D- OI bauxite 55 Crne Lokve - Gnjat Široki Brijeg 43.4402 17.4803 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti D- OC bauxite 56 Sobač - Tribistovo Posušje 43.4889 17.3881 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si D- OI bauxite 57 Mratnjača Posušje 43.5054 17.4132 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti D- OC bauxite 58 Volujak-Kad- im Posušje 43.5142 17.1950 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Unknown OI bauxite 59 Studena - Vrila - Za- gorje Posušje 43.5438 17.2188 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si D- OC bauxite 60 Kosturi Srebrenica 44.0480 19.2570 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti B O laterite 61 Srebrenica- Sase Srebrenica 44.1180 19.3530 Lead ore, Base metals Pb, Zn Cd, Ag, Sn, Sb, S, Mn B O polymetallicManto 62 Braćan Milići 44.0890 19.1520 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si B O laterite 63 Crvene stijene Milići 44.1000 19.1310 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Al B O laterite 64 Tuzla* Tuzla 44.537 18.6732 Salt, Fertilizer Minerals Uknown O unkown 65 Bešpelj Jablanica 44.4231 17.3531 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti D- OC bauxite 66 Crvene Stijene Jajce 44.4040 17.3690 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti D- OC bauxite 67 Poljane Jajce 44.3802 17.3883 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si D- OC bauxite 68 Dočići Šipovo 44.2920 17.1180 Gypsum, Building raw materials CaSO4 B OI unkown 69 Sokolac Šipovo 44.2860 17.0160 Clays (Bentonite), Specialty and other industrial rocks and minerals B O layeredComplex 70 Gradina Baraći 44.3100 16.9540 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti, Si B O laterite 71 Bojište Sanski Most 44.7026 16.4938 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al D- OI bauxite 72 Ljubija Prijedor 44.8670 16.8940 Iron ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Fe Si, Ba, Pb, Zn, Ca, Mn B O bandedIronForma- tion 73 Petkovac Novi Grad 45.0520 16.5020 Gypsum, Building raw materials CaSO4 B O unkown 74 Popović Polje Bužim 45.1143 16.0375 Mangenese ore, Iron and ferro-alloys metals Mn C OI sedimentaryMan- ganese 75 Kobaš Srbac 45.1080 17.7170 Clays (Kaolinite), Ceramic and refractory minerals B O layeredComplex 76 Ston* Ston 42.8383 17.6963 Salt, Fertilizer Minerals Uknown O unkown 77 Nin* Nin 44.2423 15.1834 Salt, Fertilizer Minerals Uknown O unkown 78 Pag* Stara Novalja 44.4434 15.0553 Salt, Fertilizer Minerals Uknown O unkown 79 Rovinj Rovinj 45.1080 13.6440 Aluminium (Bauxite ore), Base metals Al Fe, Ti Unknown O bauxite Appendix 2. continued.