AKTOR Group and the BNI Foundation have entered into a strategic partnership to develop mineral resources in Albania, marking a significant investment in the country’s mining sector and the wider Southeast European region.
Under the framework agreement, the two parties will establish a joint venture governed by Albanian law. AKTOR Group, through its subsidiary AKTOR Metal, will hold a 51% controlling stake, while the BNI Foundation will own the remaining 49% via its subsidiaries.
The joint venture will focus on the exploration, development, and exploitation of mineral resources in the Bilisht area, where deposits are estimated to contain more than 500000 tonnes of nickel and over 25000 tonnes of cobalt. These resources are considered strategically important for industrial applications, including battery production and advanced manufacturing.
In addition to extraction activities, the partnership предусматривает the development, construction, and operation of supporting infrastructure and processing facilities required for the mining and beneficiation of these resources.
As part of the agreement, the BNI Foundation will contribute existing mining rights and permits for the project, providing a foundation for accelerated project development. The venture will also receive technical and operational support from US-based companies throughout all stages of implementation.
The total investment is expected to reach approximately €1 billion at full project maturity. Funding will be deployed in phases, aligned with project development milestones, with the majority of external financing anticipated to come from US capital sources.
According to the partners, the collaboration is intended to unlock Albania’s mineral potential and position the project as a major contributor to the regional mining industry, while strengthening supply chains for critical minerals.
