Dean, Faculty of natural and technical sciences
University "Goce Delcev"
Prof.d-r Zoran Despodov was born on 28.09.1965 in Delchevo. He finished elementary and high school in his birthplace. In 1990 he graduated from the Faculty of mining and geology in Shtip, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” - Skopje, on the department of mining. He got his master degree in 1996 at the same faculty. He received his PhD degree in 2002 at the Faculty of mining and geology on the topic: Determination of the optimal parameters of belt conveyors for their application in the mines for underground exploitation of metal mineral raw. He started to work on the Faculty of mining and geology in Shtip in February 1991 as teaching assistant. He was elected as a full-time professor in the scientific field “Transport and hoisting plants” at the Faculty of natural and technical sciences, University "Goce Delcev" in Shtip. He currently serves as dean of the faculty.
Changes in the work safety of the Macedonian mines
Mining in the Republic of Macedonia has a long tradition known from ancient times and documented by metallic tools, coins and ruins of ore smelters, furthermore by ruins of underground mining activities.
The greatest boom in its development had the mining industry in Macedonia in the times of Yugoslavia, when many mines with capacities for ore processing where opened, as there were for Lead and zinc, chrome, copper, and iron-nickel. In the seventies, open lignite pits and coal-fired power plants started working and producing electrical power. The power plants are still supplying Macedonia with ist necessary energy, but there is more and more energy produced with the help of renewable sources such as hydroelectric or solar power.
In 2012 a new law framework was established to make the access easier. But there was another significant change before: 2005 the decision was taken to privatise the formerly state-owned mines. Concessions for the exploitation of metallic and non-metallic resources were given to foreign investors. In the course of privatisation the following mines: Buchim, SASA, Zletovo, Toranica, Feni, Usje, Mermeren Kombinat Prilep (Marble Combine) and others.
This presentation provides a comparative analysis of the topic of safety in mining operations in Macedonian mines, taking into account the period of public ownership (starting 1992) and the period of their privatisation starting 2006 up to now. It is showing decreasing numbers of accidents with minor or severe injuries or fatalities.