“From Nature – to People, from People – to Nature”. Our corporate motto embodies our team’s vision for environmental care that meets the most up-to-date standards and best practices.
We consistently implement our policy for long-term sustainable development by complying with regulatory requirements, investing in innovative technologies, exploring and creating good examples ourselves. We work with commitment to protect the components of the environment by implementing automated management systems and precise process control, carrying out a comprehensive monitoring program, and taking measures to restore disturbed areas already during the mining operation period. We are simultaneously aware of the global challenges facing mining in terms of the full and efficient use of resources, as well as the ever-growing public expectations. We value dialogue with stakeholders and base it on facts and expertise, with our Information Center in Panagyurishte established as a recognized venue for public consultations, recommendations and feedback.
A Comprehensive Environmental Monitoring Site has been built on the company’s premises, where a recognized academic team carries out monitoring of environmental components. Our environmental responsibility was established as a priority with the first ISO 14001 environmental management certificate in Bulgaria, awarded to Asarel-Medet JSC in 2002. The company was also among the first to join the UN Global Compact Principles in 2003, where care for nature is strongly emphasized. More than 93% of our employees were born and live with their families in the municipality of Panagyurishte, which makes them personally and deeply committed to issues related to a clean environment.
A preventive approach is central to our environmental policy and is reflected in the annually developed corporate program “Ecology”. It is one of our seven corporate programs for sustainable development and ensures compliance with concession-related environmental commitments, along with additional company projects and green initiatives. Another strategic program named Energy Efficiency and the activities of our subsidiary Asarel Energy, support efforts to reduce the carbon footprint and contribute to climate protection actions.
Over the past more than 10 years, our team has annually received the industry award Care for Nature for the absence of imposed sanctions or violations related to compliance with individual emission limits, each time certified in writing by the competent regulatory authority. Recognition of our environmental policy also came with the Innovative Company of the Year award in 2017, which honored our green innovation for the reclamation of an active mining waste facility. As further evidence of the quality of the environment in our region, we point to the intensive investments in tourism and real estate, as well as the rapid development of organic farming in the municipality of Panagyurishte. According to official data, around 20,000 decares of organic farmland here are available, half of which is already certified, while the rest is in a transition period.
Need additional information? Visit the Information Center in Panagyurishte or send an email to pbox@asarel.com and ekolog@asarel.com.