Investments in Long-Term Sustainable Development
In the 21st century, we have come a long way of positive change which we perceive not as a one-time action, but as a continuous process of sustainable development.
The implemented In-Pit Crushing and Conveying (IPCC) technologies for ore and waste rock transport have reduced emissions from mining trucks by 40%, while new equipment has lowered electricity consumption by the flotation process by 15%. We set an example of optimal resource use and a circular economy by producing cathode copper through extraction and electrowinning from copper-bearing solutions. We operate next-generation automated systems that manage our industrial water supply in a closed loop, as well as our three wastewater treatment plants. Our long-standing partnership with academic institutions and participation in research projects on future mining technologies—X-Mine, AGEMERA and OPTIMAL MINE—provide us with access to innovative solutions with significant potential for positive environmental impact and mining waste reduction.
Our commitment to progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is reflected in our standardized investment decision-making practice. Before its implementation, each project is assessed not only for its technical and economic parameters, but also for environmental risk or potential. This approach reflects our value-based commitment to protecting nature with the same care with which we look after the well-being of our loved ones.
Environmental Protection Strategic Program
The corporate Environmental Protection program is one of the seven strategic programs for sustainable development of Asarel-Medet JSC. In 2025, nine tasks were implemented under this program as part of the company’s concession commitments. In addition, our team identified and implemented 14 more projects with positive environmental impact. The total value of the program last year exceeded 3 million EUR, with projects including the design and construction of hydrotechnical facilities, environmental monitoring and restoration of mining areas.
Green Care
-small.jpg)
The restoration of the Oxide Waste Dump—a mining waste facility—demonstrates the importance of timely action. Decades of care are now most visibly reflected in the green cover of the dump, which is still in operation. Experimental lavender plantations are part of the rehabilitated slopes, and the overall implementation of the project earned Asarel-Medet JSC the Innovative Company of the Year award in 2017. The project for the development, drainage and rehabilitation of the Leach Waste Dump continues, with rehabilitated areas totaling 349 hectares by the end of 2025.
Technical rehabilitation has been carried out over an area of 150 hectares, including regrading and topsoiling with a 20 cm soil layer at our other mining waste facility, the West Waste Dump. Biological rehabilitation of the site will also be completed By 2027.
Mining Drone in Environmental Actions, Together with Volunteers
Traditions go hand in hand with innovation: the restoration of mining areas is successfully carried out both by volunteer employees during organized environmental actions and through the use of a mining drone, which is employed for uniform seeding of future vegetation on technically rehabilitated areas of mining dumps and the downstream slope of the tailings storage facility.
Bat and Flycatcher Nesting Boxes
In 2025, a project was launched to install 80 bat boxes in the company’s area—for Bechstein’s bat (Myotis bechsteinii) and Western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus)—as well as 60 nesting boxes for flycatchers—Semi-collared flycatcher (Ficedula semitorquata) and Red-breasted flycatcher (Ficedula parva). Prior to installation, expert biodiversity specialists conducted surveys, site visits and verification of suitable locations.
Aerial Laser Scanning of the River Network
A new water protection project includes an assessment of the existing environmental condition and the collection and analysis of available hydrological, hydrogeological and geological data for the area. In 2025, the locations of all river network features and terrain relief were mapped, and internal sub-basins were delineated through aerial laser scanning and photogrammetry.
Three Wastewater Treatment Plants and an Automated System
Asarel-Medet JSC operates three wastewater treatment plants—for mine waters, drainage waters and domestic waters. The first two can operate in an integrated mode to ensure maximum reliability during periods of heavy rainfall.
Process precision and compliance with the individual emission limits for wastewater are strictly managed and controlled through an automated system by Siemens Bulgaria.
Corporate Apiary
A corporate apiary operates within the production area of Asarel-Medet JSC. The volunteer initiative was started by long-time beekeeper Sabo Marinski from the Administrative Activities Unit and continued by Radko Keremedchiev from Asarel Mine.
The company also supports beekeeping as an adopter of beehives from the True Honey network. Together with their team, we collaborate on an innovative project in which bees help monitor biodiversity in the area.
Corporate Information Code Green Campaign
Every year on June 5 when the World Environment Day is celebrated, Asarel-Medet JSC carries out an information campaign highlighting personal responsibility for nature protection and addressing important topics—from small everyday actions to major shifts in attitudes. A signature element each year is the green dress code, and participants receive nectar-bearing flowers and seeds.
On this day, the company’s environmental specialists meet with students at the Asarel Information Center in Panagyurishte. A traditional feature is a themed exhibition of jewelry and items handmade from recycled glass by Eng. Mariela Dzhidzhinkova, Head of the Environmental Protection Department.
Eco Volunteering
Students from the dual education mining specialties at the Prof. Lyubcho Tsotsorkov Professional High School of Industrial Technologies, Management and Tourism annually take part in the company-organized volunteer campaign Good and Responsible, focused on cleaning activities in the area of the Oborishte historical site.
