Mineral exploitation, 525 active permits - Chromium and limestone dominate production, AKBN publishes the latest data
Data from the National Agency for Natural Resources show that during the years 2021–2025, the production of metallic minerals and construction materials has fluctuated, but with a significant share of chromium and construction materials.
According to data recently published by AKBN, chromium production has remained at high levels over the years, reaching over 952 thousand tons in 2024, while over 431 thousand tons were produced in the first 6 months of 2025. This mineral represents one of the main sources of the extractive industry in the country, with activity concentrated mainly in the Bulqiza region, but also in Kukës, Tropojë and Has.
In the same period, copper has also recorded significant production levels, reaching around 829 thousand tons in 2024, while for the first 6 months of 2025, approximately 380 thousand tons were produced. Meanwhile, materials such as limestone, clay and tar sands continue to play an important role in the construction industry, with production in some cases reaching hundreds of thousands of tons per year. Limestone is also the mineral with the highest production in recent years.
Meanwhile, some other minerals such as lignite or quartz have a more limited weight in total production.
Regarding mining activity, by the end of November 2025, there were 525 active exploitation permits throughout the country. The majority of them belong to chrome, with 212 permits, once again confirming the dominance of this sector. It is followed by limestone with 147 permits and decorative stones with 71 permits.
Other minerals have a more limited number of permits, including iron and nickel with 28 permits, copper with 17, while materials such as coal, bitumen and tar sands are represented by 14 permits. Meanwhile, gypsum and other minerals have a smaller presence in exploitation activity.
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