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

The only wooden church in Bulgaria marks its holiday

The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Borovets - the only wooden church in Bulgaria, marked its holiday today. A liturgy was served by Bishop Gerasim of Melnik. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Natalia Kiselova, was among the official..

published on 8/6/25 7:46 PM

Weather to stay warm with local mountain showers

On Thursday, minimum temperatures will range from 14 to 22°C, reaching a low of 14°C in Sofia. It will be mostly sunny during the day , with temporary cloud cover and brief showers in the mountains. There will be light to moderate winds in the east of..

published on 8/6/25 7:05 PM

"We Continue the Change" start petition "Bulgaria is not for sale"

"We Continue the Change" (PP) is starting a petition against the sale of over 4,400 state properties by the government, the party's press center reports, quoted by BTA. The petition is under the motto "Bulgaria is not for sale!". The party points out..

published on 8/6/25 6:50 PM