The chromium industry was reborn after years of almost total destruction. Thanks to investments made by serious investors in this field, the chromium enrichment factory in Kalimash is increasing the chromium processing capacity in the country. The factory was visited by Prime Minister Edi Rama and Minister of Industry and Energy Damian Gjiknuri.

According to some studies, the chromium mine of Kalimash has industrial reserves of 1.23 million tons of chromium. As a result of the investments made, the chromium enrichment factory will process approximately 150 thousand tons of chromium per year.

Minister Gjiknuri said that investments in the mining sector are increasing also due to legislative facilitations by the government in this field.

According to managers of the factory, investments total 6.2 million dollars and 500 people will be employed during the operational phase of the factory and of the mine. “6.2 million dollars have been invested so far, and 300 people have been employed. This number will go to 350 during the preparation of the enrichment plant. Another 150 people will be employed for the ferrochrome plant. Equipping machineries worth approximately 2 million dollars are expected to complete enrichment plant by the end of May.”

The chromium mine of Kalimash has illegally been exploited by some individuals until the first half of 2014. The Prime Minister said that Kukës and Albania have lost a lot as a result of this phenomenon. He also said he was convinced that now everything is on the road to recovery, and promised maximum support to investment companies.

“Albania has lost a lot and Kukës has lost a lot. Today we are in the conditions when the industry is truly being reborn and we will give maximum support to companies, also because, as miners said, they are being treated with dignity and are receiving decent salaries. Today, 700 dollars are a decent wage.”

The Prime Minister underlined the need to prepare young people in this field through vocational education.

“We must coordinate our forces with the company and funding with the new municipality of Kukës and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth to build a vocational school where young people will have the opportunity to become skilled. As we have done in Bulqizë, here or anywhere these points are, vocational schools will help the company, with the support of the state, to be able to recruit young people, to train them and then to select them and immediately employ them in the sector.”