Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Tungsten mining project sparks outrage among Velingrad residents

Photo: Municipality of Velingrad

The municipality of Velingrad and NGOs in the town have spoken out against a new investment plan to extract tungsten from the Gruncharitsa deposit near the town. If the procedure is triggered, mass protests will be organized in Velingrad, a town famous for its spa resorts, reports BNR correspondent Nevena Petrova.

The dissatisfaction of the residents of Velingrad is caused by the fact that in the locality of Gruncharitsa is located it the town's water supply zone. In addition, the mining activity will negatively affect many protected animal species and will also compromise the tourist activity in the town, famous for its mineral springs. 

The intention of a Plovdiv-based company to mine tungsten dates back years, but due to protests the procedure was stopped. Surprisingly, however, the company renewed its intention a few days ago.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

A warning for dangerous rainfall has been issued for 12 regions in Southern Bulgaria

On Friday, the lowest temperatures will be between 4°C and 9°C, reaching up to 12°C in the southeast, around 6°C in Sofia . During the next 24 hours, the weather will remain cloudy. It will rain in almost the entire country. During the day, rainfall..

published on 11/27/25 6:45 PM

Varna mayor Blagomir Kotsev released pending trial on €102,258 bond

The Varna District Court has released the city’s mayor, Blagomir Kotsev, on a financial bond of €102,258. Before the court’s decision was announced, supporters of the mayor and members of the We Continue the Change party gathered outside the..

published on 11/27/25 5:37 PM

Three detained and five police officers injured at last night's protest in Sofia

Three people, including an Italian citizen, were arrested during last night's protest against the adoption of the 2026 budget in front of the National Assembly, the director of the Sofia Directorate of Internal Affairs, Chief Commissioner Lyubomir..

published on 11/27/25 3:50 PM