Overview of Extractive Industries

Exploration, exploitation and processing of mineral ores constitute a significant activity in Albanian economy. Meanwhile, reforms of the mining industry present considerable governance challenges. The sector was previously dominated by state-owned enterprises. The Albanian Government is seeking to promote foreign direct investment in the sector, with a view to stimulating development and job creation.

Status of EITI Implementation

At its meeting on 25 October 2011, the International Board concluded that Albania has made meaningful progress in implementing the EITI. Albania's candidacy was renewed for 18 months (until 25 April 2013), by the end of which it must have completed a Validation that demonstrates compliance with the 2011 edition of the EITI Rules.

On 21 July 2011, Prime Minister Sall Berlsha signed a decree setting up a reformed working group with a balanced stakeholder representations. On 21 June 2011, Albania's EITI Working group signed a memorandum of Understanding for the disclosure and publication of payments made by petroleum companies to the state. At its meeting on 9 June 2011, the International Board granted Albania a six month extension to complete the validation process by 14 November 2011.

On 15 April 2011, Albania published its first EITI report covering oil and mining revenues for the 2009 fiscal period. Albania is an EITI candidate country since 16 May 2009.

Governance of EITI Implementation

The Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Energy has been appointed to lead the working group within Government. An EITI national secretariat with four staff was set up. A dedicated national coordinator was nominated on 3 December 2010.

Government Focal point for the EITI

Mr Shkelqim Hysaj
Director, EITI Albania
Email: hysaj_sh [at] yahoo [dot] com
Tel: +355692066775

Companies operating*

Oil & gas companies: Banker Petroleum, Stream Oil & Gas, Albpetrol

Mining companies: Albanian Chrome

* Note: Company list based on EITI research and is not conclusive

For further information, please contact Tim Bittiger at the EITI International Secretariat.