Tim Buisseret is Head of Trade and Investment at the British Embassy Sofia. Prior to joining the Embassy he spent fifteen years in the telecoms industry, including a period as general manager of Mobikom, Bulgaria’s first mobile operator. As a long-term resident in Bulgaria, he has closely observed how the business climate has improved, and is keen to help UK mining companies to take advantage of the many opportunities in the market.
Mining Sector Overview (Bulgaria)
“Bulgaria is a mining country” (Euromines) – the third largest European producer in gold and copper. Mining represents 4-5% of GDP and supports 40% of electricity generation. Bulgaria is one of the top 30 global coal producing countries. Metallic resources represent 25% of output, of which copper is 98%, lead/zinc 2%.
Key mining players include Dundee Precious Metals, Ellatzite Med, Asarel Medet, Kaolin and Maritsa Iztok Mines. All are investing to meet to European standards for sustainable development and environmental management.
UK expertise and capability in mining equipment (crushing, grinding, flotation processing); health and safety, environmental and social impact assessment; and mine closure, restoration and recycling is all relevant to the opportunities in the Bulgarian market.