“Strong industry, care for people and care for nature – these are the three principles of sustainable development. They sound modern, but in fact they are deeply rooted in the history of mankind,” said Deputy Minister of Environment and Water Atanas Kostadinov at a forum dedicated to Miner’s Day. He emphasized that from the first man who began to explore the earth’s bowels to modern mining enterprises today, the profession of a miner has always been a key to development.

Deputy Minister Kostadinov recalled that the idea of Europe as a union has its roots precisely in the mining industry. The European Coal and Steel Community laid the foundation for a political idea that has subsequently developed and today places this industry at the center of the most serious challenges and the need for the principles it has set – for sustainable development, industrial progress, solidarity, justice, care for people, and environmental protection – to become leading.

“Our task is to find the way – not only underground, where you work, but also the way of balance. The balance in which, through innovation, technology, development and high standards, progress can be achieved for the industry, which has practically provided the basis for the development of modern civilization,” emphasized Kostadinov. He emphasized that modern society, regardless of whether we call it digital or informational, remains dependent on the raw material base provided by the mining industry.

In conclusion, the Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the path to sustainable and progressive development passes through a partnership between industry, science, and the state. He congratulated all those working in the sector, wished them health and success and emphasized that the institutions will be their ally in achieving the balance between economy and environment.

The forum was organized by the Bulgarian Mining and Geological Chamber. Among the participants were Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov, Minister of Labor and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov, Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov, deputy ministers, lecturers, representatives of mining companies, and miners.