Innovations

The innovation policy of  Asarel-Medet JSC is reflected in the company motto: To Start First Means to Be on Time. We research, implement and pioneer best practices in the mining industry and driving positive change is central to our vision for sustainable development.

The company is the sole representative of Bulgarian business participating in international research projects aimed at developing future mining technologies. This approach—fostering successful innovative collaboration with other European mines, leading universities, and technology companies—began with the X-Mine project which focused on the future of mining and ran until 2022. Our ambition continued with AGEMERA, a project dedicated to non-invasive geological exploration and unlocking Europe’s potential for critical raw material mining; the other Bulgarian partner in this initiative was the Geophysical Institute of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. This paved the way for our participation in the OPTIMAL MINE project started  in 2026.

In the era of digital transformation within the mining sector, we are developing sustainable, environmentally friendly  and safe mining operations by implementing automated systems from global technology giants to precisely manage all processes. We set a global benchmark for technological efficiency and mineral resource utilization by effectively processing ores with a very low average copper grade of 0.27% while achieving recovery rates exceeding 92%. The word "first" frequently appears in our company’s history as a hallmark of our innovative approach. We were the first in the Bulgarian heavy industry to implement an integrated management system based on international standards for quality, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, and energy efficiency. We set new benchmarks for efficiency and environmental stewardship by introducing the first continuous transport technologies in Bulgarian mining and by establishing Europe’s most advanced solvent extraction and electrowinning plant for copper cathodes. We paved our way for digital transformation through the first automated production process control systems, prioritizing the company’s long-term sustainable development over short-term benefit.

Asarel-Medet JSC has twice been recognized in the national Innovative Enterprise of the Year competition. In 2024, we received the Grand Prize for Innovation Management, while in 2017, we were honored for an environmental innovation involving the rehabilitation of an active mining waste facility and sustainable resource management.