The Asarel deposit is 90 million years old
The Asarel–Medet ore field is part of the Panagyurishte ore district,which occupies the southern slopes of the Central Srednogorie Mountains and belongs to the Srednogorie structural–metallogenic zone. The mineralization is considered to be the result of geological processes and volcanic activity during the Late Cretaceous (Santonian), which means that the deposit was formed approximately 90 million years ago.
Modern geologists began intensive exploration of the Asarel–Medet ore field in the mid-20th century. More than 33 mineral species have been identified in the Asarel copper-porphyry deposit. Minerals of industrial importance for copper mining include chalcopyrite, pyrite, bornite, chalcocite, and covellite, while quartz is the main gangue mineral.
Today, geological activities at Asarel-Medet JSC are carried out by the Geology unit within the Mine Engineering Department. Our geologists participate in international research projects focused on the latest non-invasive exploration methods, including muon scanning, automated geophysical systems and other future-oriented mining technologies.
We are among the few companies worldwide that operate efficiently and sustainably while processing ores with an exceptionally low average copper grade of 0.27%, achieved by blending ores with an average grade of 0.33% and ultra-low-grade ores containing 0.08% copper. This prescient management of the valuable component grade extends the life of the mine and delivers long-term socio-economic benefits. By comparison, globally processed ores today typically have average copper grades of 0.6–0.8% and in some projects exceed 1%.
Processing low-grade and harder ores as deposits are developed at greater depths turns into one of the greatest challenges in modern mining. Only a few leading companies worldwide succeed in turning such challenges into sustainably operating projects nd Asarel-Medet JSC is one of them.
