TECTONICS, GEOLOGICAL COMPOSITION AND MINERAL RESOURCES OF THE KRATOVO MUNICIPALITY REGION
Keywords:
tectonic structures, geodiversity, mineralization, volcanism, economic geologyAbstract
The Kratovo–Zletovo region stands out as one of North Macedonia’s most geologically unique areas. It sits right where two major geotectonic units meet: the Rhodope Massif in the east and the Vardar Zone in the west. This boundary isn’t just a line on a map—it’s shaped the landscape, creating complex tectonic structures, a patchwork of rock formations, and valuable mineral deposits. Here, you’ll find everything from ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks to Riphean–Cambrian green series and younger Neogene volcanic masses, all of which define the Kratovo–Zletovo volcanic area. The ground is packed with lead–zinc, copper, and polymetallic ores, plus extensive hydrothermal alterations and even thermal waters.Contemporary studies emphasize its high geodiversity, the presence of geohazards and the economic significance of mineral deposits such as Blizanci, Lesnovo and Plavica–Zlatica. The purpose of this paper is to present the tectonic framework, geological characteristics and mineral wealth of the region, supported by modern references and scientific research.
References
Aleksova, B., Lukic, T., Milevski, I., & Markovic, S. (2024). Preliminary assessment of geohazards in the Kratovo region. Geosciences, 14(3), 62.https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14030062
Centre for Development of the Northeast Planning Region. (2021). Regional Development Strategy 2021–2027. Kumanovo.
Geological Survey of Macedonia. (1998). Mineral deposits of Eastern Macedonia. Skopje.
Gramatnikovski, M. (1997). Metamorphic rocks of the Osogovo Mountains. Skopje: Geological Institute.
International Atomic Energy Agency. (2023). Uranium resources of North Macedonia. UDEPO Database, IAEA. World Distribution of Uranium Deposits | IAEA
Jovanovska, E. (2003). Hydrothermal processes in the Zletovo area. Skopje: Geological Bulletin.
Kitanoski, G., & Boev, B. (2024). Volcanic lithofacies and hydrothermal alterations in the Kratovo volcanic field. Geological Journal, 59(1), 45–63.https://doi.org/10.1002/gj.4933
Koncev, T. (1999). Geological characteristics of the Kratovo–Zletovo region. Skopje: Faculty of Natural Sciences.
Maksimović, S., Todorović, D., & Boev, B. (2023). Structural control and geochemical characteristics of mineralization in the Kratovo–Zletovo volcanic area (North Macedonia). Journal of Geosciences, 68(2), 145–160.
Markovski, D. (1995). Volcanic processes in the Kratovo–Zletovo area. Skopje: Geological Institute.
Milevski, I., Lukic, T., & Markovic, S. (2022). Geodiversity assessment and geoheritage significance of volcanic terrains in Eastern North Macedonia. Geosciences, 12(4), 155.
https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences12040155
Popov, I. (2001). Geomorphological development of the Osogovo Massif. Skopje.
Radusinović, D. (1974). Zletovska Reka uranium deposit. In Symposium on the Formation of Uranium Ore Deposits (pp. 593–601).
State Statistical Office. (2021). Census 2021 – Industry and mining indicators. Skopje.
Stojmilov, A. (2002). Tectonic structures of Eastern Macedonia. Skopje: Prosvetno delo.
Trenčovska, A. (2020). Geomatics and GIS-based mapping of geodiversity in Kratovo. Geologica Macedonica, 34(1), 51–66.
