The number of mining permits in Albania remained almost unchanged during 2023 compared to the previous year. According to data from the National Agency of Natural Resources, there were 552 active mining permits in 2023, a slight decrease from 554 in the previous year.
Mining activity in 2023 was predominantly focused on the extraction of chrome ore, which accounted for about 43% of active permits. The latest data shows there are 236 permits for chrome extraction, unchanged from 2022. However, despite the steady number of permits, the production of chrome ore saw a decline. In 2023, about 921,000 tons of chrome were produced, approximately 12,000 tons less than the 933,000 tons produced in 2022.
Limestone extraction was the second most significant mining activity, with 137 permits representing 25% of the total. Marbled limestone followed with 34 permits, accounting for 6.2% of the total. Combined, these three minerals constituted 75% of Albania’s mining activity. Additionally, there are 31 permits for nickel iron, 17 for copper ore, 16 for sandstone, 16 for slate limestone, and 11 for clay.
The remaining mining activities include permits for decorative limestone, alabaster gypsum, bituminous gravel sand, and other materials, highlighting the diverse range of mineral resources being extracted in the country.
