site.btaWith a Solemn Blessing and Concert, Ellatzite-Med Marks 50th Anniversary and Miners’ Day in Etropole

With a solemn blessing of waters and a concert, upscale technology mining company Ellatzite-Med celebrated its 50th anniversary, 25 years since joining the GEOTECHMIN Group, and Miners’ Day in Etropole.

Guests at the event included Etropole Mayor Vladimir Alexandrov, Sofia Regional Governor Silvia Arnautska, football legend and honorary citizen of Etropole Hristo Stoichkov, CITUB President Plamen Dimitrov, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, Valentin Valchev, President of the Federation of Independent Miners’ Unions (CITUB), Danail Mladenov, President of the Miners’ Federation of Podkrepa Confederation of Labour, Prof. Georgi Yankov, Rector of the National Academy of Arts, Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivaylo Koprev, Rector of the University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski,” Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, Rector of the University of National and World Economy, as well as representatives of state institutions, the diplomatic corps, business, and industry organizations.

Hosts of the celebration were Prof. Dr. Eng. Tsolo Vutov, Managing Director of GEOTECHMIN Ltd. and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Ellatzite-Med, and Eng. Dragomir Draganov, Executive Director of Ellatzite-Med.

“The concession expires in 2031, but we will extend the life of this enterprise until 2041. We are working on this project so that future generations can have worthy professions to be proud of, receive education, and enjoy a good life and environment,” Prof. Vutov said.

He added that the company continues to invest in innovation and environmental protection, and pays BGN 110 million annually in taxes and social security contributions.

Regional Governor Silvia Arnautska praised the management of Ellatzite-Med for investments in Sofia Region amounting to BGN 1.5 billion.

Mayor Vladimir Alexandrov noted that his message was linked to the opening of the academic year at the University of Mining and Geology, when wishes for success were extended to the students. He stressed that mining-related specialties are protected professions and deserve special attention.

CITUB President Plamen Dimitrov emphasized that the mining industry is a model of social dialogue in Bulgaria. “It has been hard-won over the years, but it works, providing security for workers and prosperity for enterprises,” he said.

The blessing of the waters was performed by Gavriil, Metropolitan of Lovech.

Ellatzite-Med is one of the major investors, taxpayers and employers in Bulgaria, with more than 2,000 workers and employees. Over the years, various programmes have been elaborated for ensuring the long-term operation of the company and for improving the financial and technical parameters of copper ore extraction and processing. Today Ellatzite mine ranks among the top copper-producing companies with the largest production capacities in Europe. The implementation of new projects and substantial investments in capital construction and technological equipment guarantee sustainable operation of the mine complex in strict compliance with the relevant health, safety and environment regulations. Ellatzite-Med follows a consistent social policy towards its employees and corporate social responsibility within Bulgarian Virtues Charity Programme and other projects, which support important causes for the local communities in Etropole Municipality and Srednogorie region.