site.btaEconomy Minister Calls for Criminalisation Of Subsoil Natural Deposits Extraction

Economy Minister Calls for Criminalisation Of Subsoil Natural Deposits Extraction

Sofia, July 2 (BTA) - Economy Minister Bozhidar Loukarski
declared at a Thursday briefing that illegal extraction of
natural subsoil deposits should be criminalized. The statement
was occasioned by a landslide in a residential area of Pernik
(near Sofia) which preliminary information shows was related to
illegal extraction in a potential landslide zone. The area is
beyond the usual mining activity of Pernik Mines, the Minister
commented. The company, for which the ministry is responsible,
is currently in liquidation.

Today it was decided that works and funds, planned for next year
under a rehabilitation programme, including survey and
stabilization of the terrain, be redirected immediately to cope
with the situation. The funds under the project amount to
683,000 leva and their relocation will be a priority.

The crack which has appeared is growing and that is why the help
of specialists from the Mining and Geology Institute will be
solicited to evaluate what has to be done to make the area
safe.