Soldiers from KFOR Regional Command East Liaison Monitoring

Soldiers from KFOR Regional Command East Liaison Monitoring Team “Kilo 18” visit one of Trepca Mining’s largest processing factories Sept. 18, 2020 in Kishnicë/Kishnica Kosovo. The mineral processing facility located in the Gracanica/Gracanice municipality is one of Europe’s largest lead-zinc and silver ore mines. While there, Soldiers toured the factory and met with the factory director Bislim Fetahna who oversees the Novo Brdo mine that is in Kilo 18’s area of operation.
The minerals from Novo Brdo are mined from their raw state and, transported to the facility for processing in order to sell and export.
“We wanted to better understand the complex supply chain since it is a significant part of the economy here,” said 1st Lt. Parker Mooney, LMT Kilo 18 commander, a Soldier organic to the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oregon Army National Guard.
Roughly ten-percent of the larger workforce from the 90’s are still working at the factory.
“We are here to understand the process and issues that prohibit the factory from expanding jobs and highlight the need for foreign investment, and integrating into the global economy,” said Mooney.
“Our role is to paint a picture of that, to leadership of the on the ground effect.”
Mooney pointed out how happy the workers were and prideful in their work.
“The human capital here and potential here is huge,” said Mooney. “The people here have been working for decades, know the process and are talented hard workers who are able to operate all of the equipment.”