Investments in the mining sector
A major objective of the Institutions of the Republic of Kosovo and the donor agencies is the development of Kosovo’s private sector economy. The business environment in the mining sector in Kosovo is becoming more and more attractive. Favorable tax system, mineral resources, simple and fast business registration procedures, transparent law on foreign investment, including strategic ones, repatriation of capital, real estate purchase and 99-year leaseholds for a land that has been the property of socially-owned enterprises (SOEs), create a favorable and friendly environment for foreign investors.
What should be noted is the fact that the legal system rebuilt since 1999, is fully in line with EU legislation.
The Law on Foreign Investments approved in December 2013 (Law No. 04/2013) provides equal treatment for foreign and local investors.
Procedure for licensing and types of licenses
The Independent Commission for Mines and Minerals (ICMM) issues these licenses / permits after fulfilling the conditions under the Law on Mines and Minerals:
Presentation of basic data on licenses/permits in tabular form
Geological exploration license procedures
Step 1
Business registration at the Kosovo Business Registration Agency (https://arbk.rks-gov.net );
Step 2
Independent Commission for Mines and Minerals (ICMM) (Application for exploration licence);
Step 3A
Construction mineral exploration license:
– 2 year term, may be extended only once for a maximum 2 year period;
– valid for areas no larger than 50 hectares.
Step 3B
Exploration license for all other minerals:
– 3 year term, may be extended three times for a maximum 2 year period (every extension reduces the area by 50%);
– valid for areas no larger than 100 km2.
Mining License procedures
Step 1
Independent Commission for Mines and Minerals (ICMM) (Application for mining licence);
Step 2
Environmental permit, issued by Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP);
Step 3
Municipal permit;
Step 4
Permit by the Kosovo Forestry Agency (if the property is administered by KFA);
Step 5
Agreement with the owner on property exploitation;
Note:
–Mining licenses for all minerals, with the exception of energy minerals, have a maximum term of 25 years and may be extended once for an additional 25 years.
-Mining license for energy minerals has a maximum term of 30 years and may be extended once for an additional 15 years.
-ICMM (Independent Commission on Mines and Minerals) issues/refuse exploration or mining licenses within 2 months from the completion of the documents.
Other important information on investment opportunities and procedures in the Republic of Kosovo can be found at the links below.
