The knowledge and experience of its employees are among Bucim’s most valuable assets. Their value lies not only in continuously improving day-to-day operations, but also in sharing expertise and best practices with the wider mining community.
This commitment was demonstrated at the 17th International Professional Conference PODEKS–POVEKS 2026, held on October 30–31 in Ohrid. Through five technical papers covering different areas of mining operations, Bucim employees contributed to the exchange of knowledge and experience between industry and academia.
The papers addressed topics ranging from digitalization and the optimization of mining processes to equipment efficiency, flotation technology, and environmental protection:
–“Digitalization of Mining and the Smart Mining Concept: Opportunities, Limitations, and Prospects for Implementation in North Macedonia” – Natalija Ugreva Taseva, Goranče Grozdanoski, and Kostadin Gjorgjiev;
–“Optimization of Drilling and Blasting Operations Using O-PitBlast Software: A Comparative Analysis of Blasting Series at Borov Dol and Bucim” – Goran Jovanov and Pepi Micev;
–“Analysis of Operating Performance, Maintenance, and Service Life of Haul Truck Tires at the Borov Dol Mine” – Goran Sarafimov, Dragan Dimitrovski, and Marjan Tomov;
–“The Effect of Flotation Pulp pH on Flotation Selectivity in the Presence of Clay Minerals: A Mineralogical, Technological, and Industrial Analysis” – Milena Danovska, Natalija Ugreva Taseva, and Igorče Trajanov;
–“Air Quality in the Vicinity of the Bucim Copper Mine – Borov Dol Open Pit” – Marina Saneva.
Through these papers, practical experience gained from Bucim’s operations takes on broader significance, creating opportunities to exchange solutions and approaches that support safer, more efficient, and more responsible mining practices.
The conference brought together representatives of the mining industry, academia, and public institutions to discuss responsible mineral resource management, environmental protection, critical minerals, and the application of modern technologies. The event also marked the launch of the first issue of MINERAL MK, a new specialized magazine dedicated to the mining industry in North Macedonia.
For Bucim, supporting employees’ professional development and technical engagement is an integral part of its long-term commitment to knowledge, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Knowledge creates value when applied, and its impact grows when shared.