The term “Western Balkans” has geographical and political dimensions. Currently, this includes Albania along with the successor states of former Yugoslavia: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. It does not include Slovenia and Croatia, which joined the European Union in 2004 and 2013, respectively.

Countries of the Western Balkans region have a long-term tradition in mining, processing, and metallurgical activities. The RESEERVE project, funded by the EU, is currently mapping the mineral resources of the six ESEE countries: Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. The project’s objective is to identify business opportunities for further development of “untapped” strategic metals and reduce exploration and investment risks.

A New Industrial Strategy for Europe launched in 2020 stipulated the need for “Reinforcing Europe’s industrial and strategic autonomy” by bringing more manufacturing back to the EU and reducing its dependency on critical materials, technology, and energy. In response to the strategic directions, the EU is looking at its overseas partners and neighbours, such as the Western Balkans, to accelerate and facilitate procedures for the approval of mining gold, copper, lithium, and other metals, as well as smelters.  The European mines, which are currently under exploration or already operating, show a wide range of impacts on the environment and people, which cannot be neglected.  To secure the supply of minerals, the EU regulators, national governments, miners, and investors must put in place concrete measures to address the environmental and human rights concerns related to mining.

MINEX Forum is a registered trademark event aimed at highlighting business and investment opportunities in mining and exploration industries across European regions. The Forum is organised by Advantix Ltd, an events and digital media company established in 2002. The Forum was incepted in 2015 in Vienna. In 2017 – 2019 the MINEX Europe Forums were held in Serbia, North Macedonia and Bulgaria, focusing on the sustainable development of raw materials in the Balkans region and wider Europe.  In 2020, during the COVID19 lockdown, the Forum was organised online.

The main objective of the Forum is to provide a fresh outlook on mining and exploration of primary and secondary raw materials development in the Western Balkans region and to stimulate discussion between industry, governments and investors on sustainable mining relying on advanced international knowledge and technology.

The Forum is managed by Advantix Ltd, events and digital media company established in 2002.

The Forum is organised in partnership with with the UK Department of Trade, British Embassy in Tirana, The National Agency of Natural Resources and the Albanian National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

The Forum is taking place at The Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana in Albania. MINEX Europe Forum is organised in a hybrid format connecting remote and in-person delegates, speakers, and exhibitors. Access to the Forum’s sessions as well as a web application and live broadcasts is provided exclusively to registered participants. Remote viewers will be able to watch the live broadcast of the Forum sessions and purchase access to the event materials which will be released after 25 July.

The Forum regularly brings together around 200-300 in-person participants from the hosting country and international organisations. For more information, read here.

As of 1 May 2022, all COVID-19-related travel requirements have been lifted in Albania.

Travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR test in order to enter Albania.

All passengers who are allowed to enter the territory of the Republic of Albania, in addition to complying with international airline standards and protocols, must also adhere to the rules listed below:

• only traveling passengers can enter the airport building
• passengers must maintain social distancing of 1.5 meters during their entire time in the airport
• priority is given to the elderly, people in need and families with children (minors)
• for more information, see the Tirana International Airport website.

You can send questions to MINEX Europe Forum 2022 Secretariat by completing an online contact form. We will endeavor to reply within 48 hours.