Minister Temenuzhka Petkova discussed the status of mining industry with its representatives
The business supports the idea of keeping the single authority of mineral resources within the relevant ministry
The Minister of Energy Temenuzhka Petkova discussed the status of mining industry with representatives of the Bulgarian Chamber of Mining and Geology. The talk was one of a series of similar talks, held with professionals from various sectors within the energy, which aim to provide a detailed picture of the situation and the problems facing the new management of the department.
The Chamber representatives expressed unanimously the opinion that the single authority of mineral resources should be kept within the relevant ministry." We have actively fought for 15 years to achieve that , and now we demand to remain so", said Lachezar Tsotsorkov, Chairman of the Managing Board. Minister Petkova replied that it also coincided with her vision for the development of the industry. "It is necessary as to predict and sustain the sector", the Minister said. An argument for a similar decision is the European law as well, where the permissions, concessions and the control over the use of all natural resources are in the same ministry. In Bulgaria, a similar change was made in 2010, when the management of mineral resources divided into four different departments, has been focused within the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism at that time.
The state may rely upon the expertise available within the Chamber in formation and assertion the policies of the mining sector; it became clear during the meeting. According to Minister Petkova, this cooperation would be particularly useful to make decisions in the interest of the entire industry. "I especially appreciate the dialogue with you and rely on our excellent cooperation in the interests of the mining industry, energy and society as a whole", said Petkova.
The representatives of the mining sector and the country agreed that an early adoption of a national strategy for sustainable development of the Bulgarian mining industry, which will provide long-term vision of policies to support business in this sector, is needed.