The future of mining in the Adria region: current status, SWOT and Gap analysis of the mineral sector

The Adria region which includes the countries of: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, and corresponds to the Dinarides, northwestern-most Hellenides, and the Vardar zone, has a long history of mining. Here, the main strengths and challenges of the mineral sector of the Adria region were assessed using the following methodology: (1) presentation of the current status of mineral exploration and exploitation, (2) SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis on parameters including geological potential, economic environment, legal and regulatory framework, innovation and technology framework, environmental protection and land use planning, governmental and social potential, human resources and educational potential, (3) Gap analysis, and (4) integration of the results obtained in the development of a roadmap for the actions required to promote investments in the mineral sector in the Adria region. The main strengths of the regional mineral sector include the significant mineral potential due to a favourable geological setting, significant reserves, a long mining tradition, and active exploration areas, as well as a significant number of active and abun dant mines and the availability of secondary raw materials. Nevertheless, there are many chal- lenges that the mineral sector faces, such as difficulties in ensuring social acceptance, a lack of new exploration campaigns in many areas, estimation of resources or reserves that do not fol-low international codes and standards, regulations related to environmental issues in the min- eral sector of Adria countries that do not comply with European legislation, and the limited availability of qualified technical, scientific and managerial personnel involved in the whole mineral cycle. Therefore, actions and measures such as awareness campaigns to highlight the signifi cance of Raw Materials in the sustainable development of the region, further exploration, reserves calculation in alignment with internationally recognized codes, harmonization with spatial plans, and reforms to attract investors and capacity building programs should be taken for further development of the Adria region’s mineral sector in a sustainable manner.

18,100 Mt could be selected for recovery with high economic benefit. Within this special issue, several papers deal with critical minerals in Adria and secondary raw materials sites (RADUSINOVIĆ et al., 2022;STEINER et al, 2022;SERAFI-MOVSKI et al., 2022).
Undoubtedly, the raw material potential of the Adria region is great, both in metallic and industrial minerals. Therefore, the aim of this article is to assess the main strengths and challenges of the mineral sector in the Adria region using the following methodology: (1) presentation of the current status of mineral exploration and exploitation; (2) SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of the Adria region, including geological potential, economic environment, legal and regulatory framework, innovation and technological framework, environmental protection, and spatial planning, governmental and social potential, human resources, and educational potential; (3) Gap analysis of the Adria region; and (4) integration of the obtained results in order to present the roadmap, i.e., a strategic plan that defines a goal or desired outcome and includes the key steps or milestones needed to increase investment in the mineral sector of the Adria region.

REGIONAL GEOLOGICAL SETTING
The Dinarides are a 650 km long, folded, thrusted, and imbricated belt located between the Southern Alps to the northwest and the Hellenides to the south and southeast, with a northwestsoutheast vergence (PAMIĆ et al. 1998). The Dinarides consist of several major tectonostratigraphic and lithostratigraphic units of different origin related to the Alpine-Carpathian orogenic process dating from the Palaeozoic to the Neogene (PAMIĆ et al. 1998;SCHMID et al. 2020). The predominant structures are large thrusts with SW vergence at a regional scale resulting in knappes and local klippes thrusted onto the Adria plate in its present position. The tectonic units include external and internal sectors from the Adriatic units toward the northeast to the adjoining Tisia mega-tectonic unit (zonation follows the overviews of PAMIĆ et al. (1998)  Similarly, the Internal and External units of the Dinarides contain exposed Variscan basement units with various degrees of metamorphism (mainly up to greenschist, in some cases up to epidote-amphibolite facies). They are composed of Ordovician to Carboniferous (Permian) metasediments and metavolcanics overlain by a mainly Triassic carbonate clastic cover. The Bosnian Flysch is a 4000-5000 m thick passive continental margin carbonate-clastic tectonostratigraphic unit of Jurassic to Late Cretaceous age. The Western Vardar Ophiolite zone consists of an ophiolite mélange, while Mesozoic radiolarite sequences are associated with basalt, greywacke and shale, and large ultramafic thrust sheets. These formations are overlain by Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous and Late Cretaceous overstep sequences, whereas the Sava Suture zone contains Late Cretaceous to Palaeogene flysch associated with volcanics, tectonized ophiolite melange, regionally metamorphosed sequences derived from the surrounding Late Cretaceous-Palaeogene rocks and synkinematic granitoids.
The geodynamic evolution of the Dinarides began with the Early Permian rifting of the Variscan basement (BOROJEVIĆ ŠOŠTARIĆ et al. 2009;BOROJEVIĆ ŠOŠTARIĆ et al. 2012), the opening of the Tethyan Ocean in the Late Triassic, followed by the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous subduction and emplacement of the Dinaric ophiolites (PAMIĆ et al., 1998). Parts of the Sava Suture zone remained open until the Early Paleogene .
The boundary between the Dinarides and the Hellenides is considered to be the Skutari-Peć line, where units continue into Albania following the Dinaride zonation: (1) the External Albanides consisting of a pre-Apulian carbonate platform and flysch deposits in Early Oligocene-Middle Miocene fold-and thrust knappes of sedimentary rocks derived from the proximal facies of the continental margin of Adria (KILIAS et al., 2001); (2) the Pindos Zone with Jurassic ophiolitic massifs and Jurassic-Cretaceous ophiolites and sedimentary cover units, underlain with continental and oceanic thrust slices of both (ROBERTSON & SHALLO, 2000); and (3) the Korabi-Palegonian Zone composed of the Hercynian basement of Ordovician to Devonian low-grade metamorphic rocks unconformably overlain by Permian-Lower Triassic rift-related deposits, followed by Middle Triassic -Upper Jurassic platform carbonates (ROBERTSON & SHALLO, 2000;BORTOLOTTI & PRINCIPI, 2005;MUCEKU et al., 2006). Units 2 and 3 correspond to the Internal Albanides (KILIAS et al., 2001).
The Western and Eastern Vardar ophiolite zones are located west and east of the Kopaonik unit, respectively. The Western Vardar ophiolite belt extends north-west to the Sava Suture zone, which includes much younger Cretaceous ophiolites with a backarc affinity (PAMIĆ, 2002;SMIDT et al., 2008;USTASZEWSKI et al., 2009). The pre-Mesozoic and Mesozoic lithologies of the Western and Eastern Vardar Zone have been intruded and extruded by various types of Cenozoic magmatic rocks related to multiphase tectonic episodes; collision, transpression, postcollisional and extension (CVETKOVIĆ et al., 2000;CVETKOVIĆ et al., 2004;KO-RONEOS et al., 2011;PRELEVIĆ et al., 2013;SCHEFER et al., 2010).

RAW MATERIAL EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION STATUS
The exploration and exploitation status is described using the classification of mineral commodities, i.e. materials of economic interest in the Earth Resource into the following groups, according to the World Mining Data categories: (i) iron and ferro-alloy metals; (ii) non-ferrous metals; (iii) precious metals; and (iv) industrial minerals. Mineral fuels are excluded from consideration. In the Western Balkan Register of the rESEErve project, individual deposits are classified according to the INSPIRE Directive (INSPIRE DIRECTIVE, 2007/2/EC). Based on the D2.8.III.21 Data Specification on Mineral Resources -Technical Guidelines related to INSPIRE, a statistical comparison with a large number of deposits worldwide allows classification of the deposits as A (very large), B (large), C (medium), or D (small) according to the tonnage of the examined commodity (see Annex F of the aforementioned Guidelines). Commodity rank is based on the endowment, i.e. (cumulated) past production + reserves (not including past production) + resources, or (if the deposit has never been exploited), reserves + resources. As an example, in the case of lead deposits of the A / B / C / D categories, these correspond to 5,000,000 / 500,000 / 50,000 / 5,000 t of lead (metal) content, respectively. Alternatively, for industrial minerals such as borates, the A / B / C / D categories correspond to tonnage of commodities of 25,000,000 / 2,000,000 / 500,000 / 100,000 t of borates (B 2 O 3 ) content, respectively. In the case of a deposit containing several commodities, this classification is expressed for each, and every commodity and the ranking follows the order of importance taking into account the tonnages, scarcity, and price of the commodity.

Exploration status
As logged in the WEST BALKAN MINERAL REGISTER (2021), and shown in Fig. 2 and Appendix 1, exploration activities in the Adria region, are associated with (i) Iron and ferro-alloy metals in Albania and North Macedonia (iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, and titanium).
Albanian feasibility stage projects are the Butmi and Sukaxhi titanium magnetite projects (Class B) in Lezhë Municipality and the Liqeni I Kuq iron-nickel project (Class C). The key strength for the country's development is related to the Large Ti magnetite deposits, with Ti included in the List of critical raw materials for the EU (EUROPEAN COMMISSION, 2020). Feasibility-stage projects in North Macedonia, ranging in size from small to very large (Class D to A), include the Pehčevo and Iberli iron projects, the Rakle and Studena Voda iron-nickel projects, the Mitrašinci titanium-iron project, the Stogovo manganese project, the Strelci molybdenum project, and the Petrošnica molybdenum-copper-gold project. The iron ore project at Tajmište is under development.
Exploration activities for bauxite in Montenegro are focused on eight greenfield sites within the Nikšić bauxite field, all of which are at the feasibility study stage. Total reserves and probable reserves are 5,466,000 t and 4,318,000 t, respectively. Four greenfield bauxite deposits in Oštrelj, Bosnia and Herzegovina, are pending approval. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Rupice and Veovača lead-zinc deposits (Class B and C, respectively) have exploration status, while the Vitlovac and Kazani lead deposits near the border with Serbia (Class B) are under construction. In addition, the Montenegro lead-zinc deposits (Classes C to B) Đurđeve vode, Paljevine, Ribnik, Igrišta, Brskovo and Strmošne bare (Sjekrica) and the Varine copper project (Class B) are at the feasibility stage. The Serbian Babe lead deposit is currently in the exploration phase. The North Macedonian Konjsko, Borov Dol, Ilovica, Kadiica, Kazan Dol, Plavica and Crn Vrv copper deposits and the Bašibos, Jamište and Blizanci lead-zinc deposits are at the feasibility study stage. Albanian copper deposits in the municipality of Fushë Arrëz, in the municipality of Korce, Cifij, and in the municipality of Has, Nikoliq 2, as well as in the municipality of Mirdite, Perlati Jugor, are also under construction.
(iii) Precious metals in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia (gold and platinum group metals -palladium, platinum, rhodium).
The Albanian Babje gold project (unknown size) and the PGE Bregu Bibes project (Class D) are under exploration, as are the Bakovići gold project in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Korkan and Bigar Hill gold projects in Serbia. The North Macedonian Ilovica, Borov dol and Plavica Pb-Zn projects and Crn Vrv contain significant quantities of gold and/or silver.
(iv) Industrial minerals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo (boron minerals, kaolinite).
Li-B mineralization in the Adria region is associated with Miocene volcanic/pyroclastic activity in the Sava suture zone in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo. Several lithium and borate projects are currently being developed in the region. The Jadar project in Serbia is at a mature stage and aims to produce battery-grade lithium and borates (feasibility study developed). The project began with the discovery of the unique lithium sodium borosilicate mineral jadarite (LiNaSiB 3 O 7 (OH)) in 2004. After a decade of exploration, RIO TINTO (2020) reported measured reserves in 2020 of 16.6 million t at 1.81% Li 2 O and 13.4% B 2 O 3 , indicated resources of 55.2 million t at 1.68% Li 2 O and 17.9% B 2 O 3 , and inferred resources of 84.1 million t at 1.84% Li 2 O and 12.6% B 2 O 3 . The Valjevo lithium-borate project, currently in the exploration phase, is located 60-70 km east of Jadar in Serbia and is a world-class deposit containing at least 10 Mt of lithium and 40 Mt of boron. In addition, several other lithiumborate exploration projects are located further south (Rekovec, Piskanja and Jarandol projects, central Serbia), the Viti project in Kosovo and the Vranje project on the border between Serbia and North Macedonia. Ongoing exploration is reported from the Lopare Basin in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Currently, several Albanian underground copper mines are operating in the municipalities of Mirditë: Munellë (Class B); Spaç (Class B); Gurth (Plakez) (Class C); Qafë Bari (Class C), with an annual production of 5,900 tonnes of copper (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). A very large copper ore deposit (Bučim; Class A) is exploited in North Macedonia. The annual copper production in Serbia is 43,550 t. Operating copper mines in the Bor district (Bor -Jama, Class A; Veliki Krivelj, Class A) and in Bosnia and Herzegovina exploits large to very large lead deposits at Očekalj -Prgoševo (Class A) and Srebrenica -Sase (Class B), while Montenegro exploits the large Šuplja Stijena lead-zinc deposit (Class A), which produces 3,480 t of lead and 9,520 t of zinc annually (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). North Macedonia hosts very large and large lead-zinc ore deposits (Toranica (Class A), Sasa (Class A), Zletovo (Class B)). The current lead and zinc production of the country is quite significant and amounts to approximately 43,490 t of lead and 31,040 t of zinc, while the total annual production of non-ferrous metals reaches 81,761 t (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). The annual production of Serbian lead-zinc deposits is 13,930 t of lead and 10,560 t of zinc. Seven operating copper mines are medium to very large (Tenka 1,2 -North Revir, Rudnik, Belo Brdo, Veliki Majdan, Lece, Podvirovi, and Grot -Blagodat). (iii) Precious metals in North Macedonia and Serbia (gold, platinum group metals (palladium, platinum), silver).
In North Macedonia, gold concentrations are mined from the operating Bučim porphyry copper mine, contributing to the country's annual production of 593 kg Au (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). Annual production of silver from large to very large lead and zinc deposits (Toranica, Sasa, Zletovo) and copper deposit (Bučim) is 17,880 kg. Serbian precious metal production in 2019 was equivalent to 1,452 kg of gold, 10 kg of palladium, 10 kg of platinum, and 14,502 kg of silver (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). Some examples of precious metal bearing deposits are the very large copper deposits North and South Revir of Majdanpek (Au, PGEs), Bor-Jama of Bor (Au), medium to large lead-zinc deposits of Rudnik (Class B), Belo Brdo (Class B), Veliki Majdan (Class C), Podvirovi (Class C), Grot -Blagodat (Class C) containing Ag and Lece (Class B) containing Au and Ag, whereas copper-gold deposits Čukaru Peki host significant quantities of gold (Velojić et al., 2020(Velojić et al., , 2022Banješević et al, 2019; Class A).
A single large bentonite mine is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sokolac, B) and a single feldspar mine in North Macedonia (Hamzali, Class C). Evaporite (gypsum and anhydrite) exploitation includes large gypsum mines in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Dočići, B, Petkovac, B), Croatia with several deposits (the largest is Kosovo polje) that contributed to production of 199,255 t in 2019 (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021), and North Macedonia (Kosovrasti deposit, Class C). Significant kaolinite deposits exist in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Kobaš, class B), while several Serbian deposits are under exploitation. Magnesite production in Serbia includes several class A magnesite deposits at Krive Strane i Torine, wider locality of Čačak, and Ribnica, as well as deposits with undetermined reserves, such as Brezak. There is significant salt exploitation in Croatia (Pag, Nin, Ston) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (Tuzla). Talc is mined in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while zeolites are extracted from several Serbian deposits (Korminjoš, Igroš -Vidojevići with unknown deposit size). Several deposits with ongoing exploitation of industrial minerals with undetermined reserves of kaolinite in Serbia are located at Kranjani, Beli Majdan and Garas, and borates in the Pobrde.
Mineral production of the 6 Adria countries is taken from the World Mining Data annual report for 2019 (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021). It is given in metric tonnes and in millions of USD (Tab. 1). The ranking of exploitation (in tonnes of mined ore) of the 6 Adria countries for 2019 is as follows: BiH > ALB > MKD > MNE > HRV. The ranking of revenues from exploitation is as follows: ALB > SRB > BiH > HRV > SRB > MNE.
Tab. 1. Total mineral production in 2019 by country in metric T and in million USD (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021)

Abandoned mines' locations
Based on the WEST BALKAN MINERAL REGISTER (2021), cases of abandoned mines of interest for the growth of the mineral sector are associated with (https://reseerve.eu/results):

(i) Iron and ferro-alloy metals of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia (cobalt, molybdenum).
Abandoned cobalt mines (lateritic crusts) could be an opportunity for further exploration in Albania, as could the abandoned porphyry molybdenum deposits in Serbia.

(ii) Non-ferrous metals in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and North Macedonia, Serbia) (antimony, arsenic, bauxite (aluminium), lead, zinc).
In Albania, there are numerous abandoned hydrothermal antimony mines. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, antimony is associated with abandoned lead and zinc deposits, whereas within North Macedonia it is associated with arsenic ores.
In Croatia, a number of abandoned bauxite deposits with unidentified reserves containing titanium, vanadium, and gallium are of interest for further exploration.

(iii) Industrial minerals of Albania (phosphates)
The abandoned phosphate deposits of Albania are unique commodities in the Adria region and are of great interest for further explorationwith the phosphate rocks ranked as CAMs (EUROPEAN COMMISSION, 2020).

SWOT analysis
A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis is a method used for identifying and analysing internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats, that determine current and future operations and help develop strategic objectives (NAMUGENYA, 2019). SWOT is one of the many strategic tools used in the fields of strategic planning and management. It is characterised by its simplicity, and it is widely applied in many sectors (KONG, 2008). In order to map and assess the current position of the mineral sector in the Adria countries, a SWOT analysis was conducted within the framework of the present study. The results provided the basis for the development of new strategic plans by combining the key strengths (the advantages over other competitors), weaknesses (the areas that need improvement compared to competitors), opportunities (trends and market gaps to exploit), and threats (external factors that may threaten the businesses) (see Fig. 3).
Initially the 7 key areas for SWOT analysis were identified followed by the preparation of a SWOT analysis draft by the representatives of the geological service surveys of each country. These drafts were presented at the National thematic workshops organised in each country, within the framework of the EIT Raw Material project rESEErve -Mineral Potential of the ESEE Region.
The second step included the involvement of stakeholders from industry, research institutions, academia as well as policy makers from each country, who participated in the National thematic workshops and actively discussed the above prepared SWOTs. These discussions were organised in the form of teamwork where the teams consisted of members representing different types of stakeholders. Such discussions were organised in person at the National thematic workshops in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, in the remaining countries (Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia), the National thematic workshops were organised online, and the opinions of different stakeholders were collected in advance in the form of questionnaires and discussed at the National thematic workshops.
For the finalisation of the SWOT analysis for each country and for the consistent assessment of the available data from the National thematic workshops, the rESEErve project deliverables, the reports of the international financial institutions and other published data were reviewed (Step 3). Within this framework the following seven key areas that have a positive or adverse impact on the development of the mineral sector were examined with a set of parameters and key performance indicators: 1. Geological potential: ores, industrial minerals, CRMs (EUROPEAN COMMISSION, 2020), secondary raw materials (SRMs), size of reserves, type of reserves (probable, proven), unknown reserves, exploration activities, greenfield areas and mines in feasibility stage, mines under development, research to produce added value materials, mainly from industrial minerals and rocks.
2. Economic environment: current and projected mineral production of the country, global demand for raw materials, economic stability of the country, GDP, GDP per capita, tax system, ease of doing business, infrastructure, financial product of mining, investment in the mining sector, state aid to the mining sector.
3. Legal and regulatory framework: state mineral policy and mining regulations; licencing procedures; exploration, mining, environmental and ownership regulations; control mechanisms; adoption of EU environmental legislation.
4. Innovation and technological framework: mining development status, innovation funding opportunities, technological status of processing plants, research and development (R&D) status.
5. Environmental protection and land use planning: protected areas, waste management, contaminated brownfield sites, reclamation of old sites, land use planning, alternative use of previously mined areas.
6. Government and societal potential: resource planning / sustainable management of resources, accessibility to resources, administrative drawback permitting/concessions, spatial planning, state R&D strategy. 7. Human resources and educational potential: stakeholder involvement, education level and status of research and development, personnel qualified for mining activities, capacity building, and demographics.
As a final step (Step 4), the national SWOT analyses was unified into an integrated analysis for the Adria region.
The geological potential is unique for each country, however, the legal, regulatory, land use planning and educational potential for the former Yugoslavian counties stems from the same legis- lative processes, so they are comparable. Croatia, as a member of the European Union (EU), has already implemented the EU legal framework.

Gap analysis
Gap analysis was used to identify the main gaps/barriers/obstacles in performing businesses requirements. To determine those gaps, it is essential to refer to where the entity/sector is today, and where it may go in the near future, setting the initial situation, the target situation, and the measures to be taken towards this direction (Fig. 4). To assess the existing status of the sector, the available information, as derived from the components of SWOT analysis were used. The evaluation included the identification of factors significantly affecting mineral sector growth, considering the specific characteristics of each Adria country. Following that, the major limitations preventing the Adria region's mineral sector boost were recorded and ranked, demonstrating the priority areas where countries present the same needs/gaps or contrasting ones. Limitations were recorded taking into consideration the seven, key-areas of SWOT analysis.
SWOT and Gap analyses were used in the present study as the basis for the strategic plans to guide development in the raw materials business and strategic initiatives.
The final step was the selection of the actions to be taken for the sustainable development of raw materials in the Adria region via roadmaps for the implementation in practise. Those actions are incorporated into the Adria region's roadmap, focusing on the areas of geological, economic and business framework where the main constraints were recorded (Fig. 5). However, there is a lack of recent systematic exploration and corresponding databases for new CRMs for emerging technologies (Li, B, REE) which is reported as a main Weakness. Another weakness regarding further exploration of the geological potential of these countries focuses on the peculiarities of karst bauxites, which are found in numerous small deposits (class D).

RESULTS
Opportunities lie in the potential and current greenfield exploration and brownfield operations (SCHODDE, 2021). Significant greenfield exploration in CRMs such as Li, B, Sb, and REEs in bauxites are recorded (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., 2021). Brownfield operations facilitate geological research and increase the existing reserves of primary and secondary (mining waste, tailings and metallurgical waste) metallic and industrial minerals.

Economic environment
The total mineral production (excluding fossil fuels) of the Adria region in 2020 was 2,644 million USD (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2022). Hence, it contributed 1.65% of the sum of their nominal GDPs (based on REICHL and SCHATZ, (2022)), with Albanian mineral production being the highest contributor (1550 million USD, contributing more than 10% of the Albanian nominal GDP) and Croatia the lowest (15 million USD). The ease of doing businesses in the Adria countries ranged approximately from 65% to 80%, with Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked in the lowest position among the 6 Adria countries examined (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., (2021)). In calculating the overall ease of doing business, indicators such as starting a business, obtaining construction permits, electricity supply, registering property, obtaining credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency were considered. Four of the six economies under study were ranked as high as 51 st out of 190 economies, indicating that there is a framework in place to support future investment in the mineral sector (DOING BUSI-NESS, 2021). However, economic instabilities in non-EU countries and underdeveloped local infrastructure (e.g., transportation infrastructure, energy infrastructure) are seen as weaknesses for the sector's growth (WORLD BANK 2021).
The general increase in demand for raw material (REICHL & SCHATZ, 2021) and the interest of international mining companies in exploration and exploitation represents an opportunity for the mineral sector in Adria countries (EBRD, 2017;SCHODDE, 2021). However, the volatility of commodity prices on the world market and the underdeveloped downstream industry for certain raw materials are seen as a threat

Legal and regulatory framework
In all the Adria countries, mineral resources are protected by the Constitution and the existing legal framework includes regulations for exploration, mining and mine waste treatment. However, methods for estimating reserves are not aligned with international standards, such as PERC/JORC/UNFC (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., 2021). Moreover, concession/exploration licencing procedures are reported as lengthy and in need of significant simplification, with institutional quality affecting investment activities (ESTRIN & UVALIC, 2014). In Bosnia and Herzegovina, further difficulties are faced due to the fact that the country consists of two entities, the Republic of Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with each entity having its own legislative, executive, and judicial procedures. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a large part of the entity's authorities has been transferred to the regional governments.
A great opportunity for the Adria countries is that a large number of concessions for exploration and mining were issued by the local governments in the last 20 years. However, there is a threat of the application of more stringent environmental laws that could lead to additional restrictions on the permitting and implementation of mining operations.

Innovation and technological framework
Among the Adria candidate and potential EU candidate countries for which data are available, gross domestic expenditure on R&D as a percentage of GDP in 2018 and 2019 ranged approximately from 0.2% in Bosnia and Herzegovina to 1% in Serbia, compared with an average of 2.2% in the EU (EUROPEAN COMMISION, 2022). Industry stakeholders report a lack of investment in green technology and research infrastructure for mining and processing. External funding for innovation and technological development are expected from regional, national and EU sources.

Environmental protection and land use planning
There are positive examples the rehabilitation of old mining sites (WILLIAMS & MASLAĆ, 2010) however, the lack of harmonisation of spatial planning documents in regions with potential for mining activities is considered as a weakness.
Consideration of protected areas in spatial planning documents is an opportunity, however, enforcement of environmental legislation will impose additional restrictions on mining in non-EU countries that are in the process of implementing Natura 2000.

Government and social potential
All Adria countries have national strategies to promote the sustainable development of mineral resources. However, the wider society is not sufficiently informed about the importance of raw materials in every-day life.
Low social acceptance of mining and processing by local communities and non-governmental organizations poses a serious threat to the further development of the mineral sector.

Human resources and educational potential
The strength of the Adria region in terms of human resources and educational potential lies in the existing higher education institutions that cover the entire commodity value chain. Moreover, the active presence of the national organizations that promote the R&D of science and technology, as well as technological innovation activities considers another strength, towards this aim combined with various Research & Innovation programs for scientists and professionals that are currently underway. However, higher education raw materials related programs often need to be updated, and students' interest in enrolling in these programs is low. In addition, there is an inadequate supply of lifelong learning courses for existing raw material professionals.
Current activities in the Adria Region to develop new higher education programs that produce T-shaped professionals (collaborative, empathetic, enthusiastic, open-minded, and visionary) and lifelong learning courses are seen as a great opportunity for the mineral sector in the future. However, declining demographics and a brain drain pose a serious threat (MURPHYA and PAC-HERB, 2021);

Gap analysis of the Adria region
Following the SWOT analysis, a Gap analysis was performed to determine barriers and obstacles for the further exploitation of the mineral sector in the Adria region. The barriers and obstacles were identified, emphasizing a countries' current economic and business environment, mineral production, as well as geological potential, infrastructure, mining legal framework, support of the local communities and mineral state policies. Regarding policies adversely impacting the Raw Materials sector, the emphasis is placed on permit issues and the cooperation of competent authorities. Gaps regarding mining in protected areas, spatial planning and its harmonization with mining legislation are also highlighted. Regarding social aspects, a region's needs for skilled human resources and capacity building, are also recorded in the Adria region. A challenging obstacle is the acceptance of mining activities by local communities. General problems are: (1) the low level of confidence in the government and public administrations of Adria countries (often perceived by impacted local community to be driven by particular interest groups or as corrupt) to properly regulate the mining industry; (2) misinterpretation of the environmental risks of the project, usually by publicly exposed non experts, leading the local community to believe that economic benefits of the project are negligible compared to the overall risks for water, soil and air, and (3) infrequent, inadequate or delayed communication of the mining companies toward the local community leaving the impression of non-transparencies. Very often, the initial conflict between local communities and the mining companies are recognised by various political parties, activists, or NGO as an ideal setting for popularity-raising, free media space or self-promotion, usually prior to approaching local or national elections.
Even though in the rESEErve project, the construction of the WEST BALKAN MINERAL REGISTER (2021) database as per the INSPIRE guidelines (INSPIRE DIRECTIVE, 2007/2/EC) covered areas where improvements are needed, gaps such as the lack of harmonisation of reserves estimation with international standards (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., 2021), and the absence of systematic exploration in some of the new areas presenting geological potential, are considered as constraints for the sector's development. The economic environment for investments in the Adria countries is characterized by a rather low cooperation among the public and private sectors, with the need for more advanced techniques/tools being considered as "a must" for investment enhancement, as reported by the relevant stakeholders.
The need to strengthen/reform/update the current legal and regulatory framework is a common conclusion among the 6 Adrian countries examined in this study. Areas to be improved are summarized below and include; the importance of simplification of the current raw materials legislation, given that the procedures for obtaining concessions and exploration licenses was consistently considered as relatively time-consuming and complicated, there is an urgent need to implement reforms in line with the EU legislation, and Raw Materials strategies, as well as the implementation of activities for the long-term mineral resources' policies (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., 2021).
Despite the fact that the 6 examined countries have recently upgraded their national legal framework in relation to the mineral sector and to business environment regulatory areas, it is also recognized that mineral policy, land planning, mineral laws and regulations for exploration and mining, need further reforms to integrate spatial planning legislation and provide a clear mineral policy and strategy regarding access to resources and safeguarding of reserves (e.g., MATI, 2017). Concerning spatial planning, one of the gaps recorded is the absence of its harmonization with mineral plans. Moreover, alignment of spatial planning with other land-uses, e.g., spatial mineral plans, at different levels of state, county, municipality, are required for enhancing the internal investments (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., 2021). Furthermore, as reported by the stakeholders, active in the Adria region, human resources, and capacity building are areas for improvements needed to support the sector's potential growth. A low level or absence of cooperation between universities, industry, research institutions, and the state authorities represent a major gap to be covered in future steps. At the same time, the reduced number of skilled professionals and technical staff due to the "brain drain" (MURPHYA and PACHERB, 2021) and the low interest for studies in the raw materials fields such as geology, results in the generation of a rather low number of professionals to cover the sector's needs. The reducing number of skilled raw materials professionals combined with the lack of knowledge of new technologies, mainly for the exploitation of CRM deposits are constraints to be mitigated (GIANNAKO-POULOU et al., 2021; MELCHER & REICHL, 2017).

Roadmap for the raw materials investment in the Adria countries
As already described, SWOT/Gap Analysis for the development of the Raw Materials sector in the Adrian countries examined was performed in the present study. This followed a comprehensive literature review, and active consultation with the stakeholders, with the emphasis placed in the 7 National Thematic Workshops conducted in the countries under study.
Subsequently, assessment and evaluation of the above SWOT/Gap analysis results, provided the basis for the development of a General Strategy roadmap presenting the relevant actions required for the sustainable development of the mineral sector of the Adria region.
With this aim, the general strategy roadmap included the following actions, related to 5 key areas linked with the SWOT/Gap analysis components: Stakeholders' consent and awareness. Local communities/ public authorities/ professional associations are key stakeholders for the implementation of the different stages of a mining project, however public consultation and permit issue is a process often delayed in Adria countries. Given that social acceptance and stakeholders' consent is required during the whole life cycle of a mining project, starting from permits, to operation, closure and post-closure stages, agreement and active cooperation among authorities and stakeholders is considered a necessity.
Constitutional acts of the Adria countries are defining mineral resources to be of primary national interest, however proper education on the importance of the Raw Materials sector in everyday life ("we grow it, or we mine it = agriculture and raw materials") is left to be promoted by professional organisations with limited capacities and knowledge. Geology is the only natural science outside secondary school curricula, and often erroneous/ unreviewed information on mineral resources appears in textbooks, influencing an early negative perception of the mining and metallurgical community by the wider society. The authors suggest including important elements on raw materials exploration, mining, processing and recycling in the primary and secondary schools' curricula as well as creating relevant life-long learning courses for high-school teachers. Wider society learning courses should bring basic understanding to the broader public.
Timely awareness-raising campaigns starting prior to the first geological prospection is proposed as one of the tools, aiming to inform different types of stakeholders on employment opportunities in the Raw Materials sector, its contribution to local infrastructure development, the regional and national economies, and the need to jointly mitigate the obstacles that adversely impact the development of the region, and the steps required to achieve the Social License to Operate. Thus, wider society learning and awareness -raising will contribute to avoid misconceptions and build a trustworthy relationship between the Mining Industry -and local stakeholders setting the basis for the required social acceptance.
Quality of geological potential data. In the Adria region, geological potential data are available in the countries' digital databases. However, in order to attract investors' interest and financing, in addition to the identification of the type of resources, i.e., inferred, indicated, measured, or the classification of the reserves of a deposit for the commodities of interest into probable and proved, it is also essential that domestic or foreign companies report the results of their exploration activities and classify mineral resources, and ore reserves according to internationally accepted standards. As noted in the Gap analysis, the above classification is proposed to be conducted in line with the international codes for public reporting of exploration results, mineral resources and ore reserves, including JORC (Australian Joint Ore Reserves Committee Code), PERC (Pan European Reserves and Resources Reporting Committee Code), CIM (Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum), UNFC (United Nation Framework Classification for Resources) etc. (GIANNAKOPOU-LOU et al., 2021).
Moreover, and in order to improve the level of confidence of the available geological data and reserves estimation per commodity, further exploration work for certain primary raw materials is proposed as an action to support the development of the RMs sector. In summary, further exploration to enhance the qual-ity control of available Minerals Register's data, and alignment with internationally acceptable codes, are considered as actions leading to the sector's development.
Reforms/updates of legislation and codification of regulations: based on the SWOT and Gap analysis results, interventions in the following five areas were identified as a priority in order to circumvent legal constraints: (1) Mineral policy and strategy of the state; (2) Licensing and permit procedures for exploration and exploitation activities; (3) Royalties / fees and compensatory benefits; (4) Harmonization of Spatial Plans, and Alignment with the EU environmental legislation to delineate and manage nature protected areas and restore historic and/or abandoned sites, (5) Codification and Simplification of the mining regulations and legislation, is also necessary, while the mapping of additional areas of legal constraints is recommended (GIANNA-KOPOULOU et al., 2021). The Adria countries examined, take steps for upgrading mining legislation, focusing on the direction of mining activities to become an essential pillar for the economy (SOHOL, 2017).
Even though the national legal framework related to the Minerals sector and the business environment regulatory areas has been recently upgraded, issues such as protection of the sustainable development of mineral resources of public importance, in line with the EU legislation are not considered in the currently prevailing legislation. Moreover, simplification of the permit procedures is essential, regulating the competencies and the responsibilities of the related authorities, and enhancing the cooperation among different levels of state government. The lack of harmonisation among the different levels of spatial planning, and the non-alignment with EU directives needs to be mitigated with a special spatial mineral plan per country. Royalties / fees need to be re-assessed taking into consideration the value of the commodity mined, while the need for benefits for local communities was also noted.
Competitiveness and financing dimension: Stakeholders consider that the competitiveness of the sector is a multi -faceted task covering areas such as enhancing research and development activities, technology transfer for upgrading and increasing the capacity of existing mines and plants, and vertical integration of the mineral sector. Funded research programs, funding development and reconstruction are common practices to attract EU and international financial resources for enhancing exploration and other research activities of the sector and supporting growth in investments.
It is thus concluded that reforms are needed for attracting investors and creating a favourable business environment. Indicators such as starting a business, dealing with construction permits and enforcing contracts were determined as significant aspects that need improvement in order to further enhance Adria region's business environment (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., 2021; https://www.doingbusiness.org).
With this aim, scoping technical studies per country are proposed for identifying the special needs to promote countries' potential in raw materials. Technology transfer, application of innovative methods for exploration, exploitation, or processing, increase of the processing plants' capacity, modernizing facilities, reprocessing SRMs, etc., will result in the reduction of operating costs, and overall improvement of economic performance, the vertical integration of the Raw Materials sector, the production of new added value products and the opening of new markets. Actions for the reduction of the environmental footprint of the sector including extraction waste management and reclamation of mined out areas should also be included.
Moreover, focused funded research projects in cooperation with the industry are proposed, in order to solve specific technical problems. With this aim, comprehensive review studies may be needed on the state-of-the art techniques for the overall treatment of selected mineral raw materials including CRMs. Market research and feasibility studies covering the overall spectrum of the products of interest are required in order to document the sustainability of the proposed changes and/or upgrades in mines and plants.
Human resources and capacity building. The need to enhance the skills of the technical, scientific and managerial personnel involved in the whole cycle of raw materials activities is a common conclusion. Reduction of skilled professionals and technical staff linked to a "brain drain" (MURPHYA & PACH-ERB, 2021) or for other reasons (e.g. limited interest in the raw materials sector in general) and limited expertise in new technologies for exploration, mining and processing of ores and wastes, are some of the issues reported by the stakeholders in the countries examined. Gaps have been also noticed between the existing educational programs and the present and future needs of the raw materials sector. A need to enhance the cooperation in the knowledge -triangle of universities, research and technology organizations, and industry in different areas was also noted (GIANNAKOPOULOU et al., 2021). Capacity building programs for training of scientists and technical staff, given the increased emerging needs in the mineral sector of the region (SCHODDE, 2021), are considered as necessary, with Croatia having already made steps as an active partner in the regional inovation scheeme (RIS) projects founded by the European Institute for Inovation and Technology (EIT) projects. Strengthening innovation, entrepreneurship, and cooperation with the participation in EIT Raw Materials RIS or other types of EU funded projects, as well involvement of the specific target groups in thematic training, and lifelong learning programs are proposed as key measures for technology transfer and capacity building.

CONCLUSIONS
The Adria region has a long history of mining, however the mineral sector currently faces a variety of challenges that prevent its sustainable development.
The SWOT analyses performed for the ESEE countries examined, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia covered parameters such as geological potential, economic environment, legal and regulatory framework, innovation and technological framework, environmental protection and land use planning, governmental and societal potential, human resources, and education potential.
SWOT Analyses results served as the basis for the Gap analysis, and the integration of the results obtained into regional strengths and challenges in order to create a roadmap for investment in the mining sector.
Adria countries have significant reserves of primary metallic and industrial minerals and active exploration areas, as well as a large number of operating mines. The total mineral production versus the current GDP for the Adria countries was calculated as close to 4%, whereas in all countries examined, mineral resources are protected by the constitution and there is a legal framework regulating exploration, mining and treatment of mine waste. Moreover, the presence of national higher education institutions that cover the entire raw materials value chain, as well as national organizations that facilitate R&D activities are considered as factors supporting the development of the Mineral sector.
Despite these strengths, the mineral sector in the Adria region faces a number of challenges related to reduced social acceptance, the lack of new exploration campaigns in many areas, estimation of resources or reserves not aligned with international codes and standards, and lack of skilled technical, scientific and managerial personnel involved in the whole cycle of mineral activities.
The Adria countries have uneven potential in terms of mineral resources. However, apart from Albania, they all emerged from the disintegration of the same state (Yugoslavia) and present many similar weaknesses regarding the prevailing business environment and business opportunities. Croatia stands out from the other Adria countries in terms of opportunities, as it is the only EU member state.
Actions proposed for the sustainable development of the mineral sector in the Adria region include: Awareness raising campaigns to obtain the required social license to operate and gain stakeholders' knowledge of the sector and consent; Further exploration activities to increase the level of confidence and reserves, quality control of the West Balkan Mineral Register's data (WEST BALKAN MINERAL REGIS-TER, 2021) and alignment with internationally recognized codes, such as JORC, PERC, CIM, UNFC; Harmonization with spatial planning and alignment with relevant EU environmental EU legislation; Reforms to attract investors and create a favourable business environment focusing on areas such as opening business/ dealing with construction permits/enforcing contracts; Capacity building programs.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This contribution is supported by the project "rESEErve -Mineral potential of the ESEE region" funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of European