Illegal Coal Mining Challenges Bulgarian Energy Ministry

People formerly employed in the mining industry and Roma people allegedly have been involved in illegal mining at the Mini Bobov Dol site, Presa Daily reported.

The current price of a coal bag is BGN 10 and can reach as high as BGN 15 over the winter months.

According to locals, the illegal practices have been ongoing for years but neither police nor the municipality are able to stop it.

A week ago Bulgaria's Energy Ministry announced that it will aim at discontinuing the illegal practice.

Currently, the ministry reported that 5 teams have already inspected 30 sites and will be continuing their work. Several fines and administrative violations have been assigned. However, despite the sanctions, the fines are most probably not going to be collected until that type of actions are listed as criminal activities as per Bulgarian law, as stated by Deputy Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov.

Coal mining is not the only means through which Bulgarian natural resources are simply being taken from the mining sites, Presa daily reported. The situation is quite similar in the vicinities of Ivaylovgrad, Kardzhali, Gradets and Satovcha.