Bulgaria activates exploration for critical raw materials
During the Miners' Day celebrations, Deputy Minister of Energy Iva Petrova highlighted the strategic importance of the mineral-resource sector for the country's economic security. The focus is shifting towards the sustainable management of underground resources.
"Bulgaria has the resource potential to be a natural partner in the European raw materials policy," stated Minister Petrova.
Main priorities for energy independence:
- New exploration program: Assessment of the potential for strategic and critical raw materials, including rare earth metals.
- Geological analyses in the Maritsa Basin: Opportunities for extracting high value-added raw materials are already being explored.
- Digitalization: The National Geological Fund will be fully digitized by December 2029.
- Reclamation: Sustainable transformation of mining sites for future investments after the completion of extraction activities.
The Ministry of Energy is committed to a policy that promotes diversification and the circular economy, in line with the new EU Critical Raw Materials Act.