Calcite Laki Bulgaria

The history of the Laki mine dates back to the 1950s, when the Bulgarian authorities began to explore the lead and zinc deposits in the region. In 1958, geological studies revealed the presence of promising deposits, and construction of the mine began the following year.

The Laki mine was commissioned in 1959 and grew rapidly, reaching a peak production of 1.5 million tons of ore per year in the 1980s. It employed up to 4,500 people and contributed significantly to the local economy.

However, over the years, the mine began to experience environmental and safety problems. Mining activities resulted in the pollution of local soils and waterways, which had a negative impact on the health of local people and the biodiversity of the area.

In 2008, after several years of protests and pressure from environmental groups and the local community, the Laki mine was permanently closed. Since then, the Bulgarian authorities have launched rehabilitation projects to reduce the environmental impacts of mining.

The closure of the Laki mine had a significant impact on the local economy, resulting in the loss of many jobs and the need to find new sources of income for the region. However, it also marked the beginning of environmental awareness in Bulgaria, prompting the authorities to take action to protect local ecosystems and invest in sustainable development projects for the future of the region.