Kosovo

Kosovo, a small landlocked country, has a long mining history dating back to ancient times. The mining industry in the region is believed to have started during the Roman Empire, with the extraction of lead, zinc, and silver. However, the modern mining industry began in the 20th century under Yugoslavian rule, which saw the development of numerous mines, including the Trepça mining complex.

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During the 1980s, Kosovo's mining sector provided significant revenue to the Yugoslavian economy. However, the mining industry in the region suffered significantly during the Kosovo War in the late 1990s, with many mines destroyed or damaged. After the war, significant efforts were made to revive the mining industry, with the establishment of the Kosovo Mining and Minerals Agency and the privatization of many mines. Today, Kosovo remains a significant producer of lignite coal, with the Kosova e Re power plant being a major contributor to the country's electricity supply. The mining of other minerals, such as lead, zinc, and nickel, also continues in the region.