Bulgaria seeks new strategic raw materials: Rare earth metals and energy independence

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.