The mining industry accounts for around 5% of GDP and 12% of Bulgaria’s exports
The mineral resources sector is a key supplier to a number of strategic industries – energy, metallurgy, mechanical engineering and the chemical industry. It is also among the leading export-oriented sectors, with a 12% share of the country’s exports. This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, Nevena Lazarova, who took part in the National Celebration of Miners’ Day – a landmark event for Bulgaria’s mining industry.
Deputy Minister Lazarova underlined the important role of the sector for the national economy, noting that the mining industry generates around 5% of GDP and provides employment for more than 20,000 people.
She expressed her gratitude to the Bulgarian Chamber of Mining and Geology for its constructive cooperation and stressed that the Ministry of Economy and Industry will continue working to ensure a stable and predictable regulatory environment that supports competitiveness and sustainable development in the sector.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the forthcoming development of a National Industrial Strategy 2025–2030, which will set out priorities such as technological transformation, digitalisation, resource efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint. She emphasised that the strategy is fully aligned with the EU Green Deal and will create new opportunities for investment and the development of innovative projects in industry.
“Through joint efforts we can establish Bulgaria as a leader in sustainable mining production at European level,” Lazarova stated.
As part of the official programme, she presented the Award for Innovation in the Mining Industry – an annual distinction granted for the most significant innovative project implemented by a Bulgarian mining enterprise. This year, the award was presented to “Kaolin” EAD for its project “Innovative Approach to Processing Quartz Sands”.
The event brought together representatives of business, institutions and academia, paying well-deserved tribute to miners and all those employed in the mineral resources sector.