In 2024, Bulgaria ranked 7th in the world in the production of bismuth metal, 8th in the production of tellurium metal (not including United States production) and in the production of vermiculite, 9th in the production of industrial sand and gravel, 12th in the production of cadmium metal, 18th in the production of lime (tied with the United Kingdom), and 19th in the production of salt (tied with the United Kingdom). The country’s share of world production of vermiculite was 2.1%; industrial sand and gravel, 2.0%; cadmium metal, 1.7%; salt, 0.9%; bismuth metal and lime, 0.3% each; and tellurium metal, 0.1%. Other mineral commodities mined or produced in the country were aluminum, barite, bentonite, cement, clays, copper, gold, kaolin, lead, manganese, raw steel, steel products, salt, silver, sulfur, zeolites, and zinc. The output of the mining industry accounted for about 3.2% of the total value of industrial sector production.
Bulgaria exported copper cathodes to China and European Union (EU) member countries, the Republic of Korea, and Turkey; copper products to EU member countries; lead ingots to EU countries and Turkey; and zinc to Belarus, EU member countries, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine. Bulgaria exported copper; bauxite and alumina; gem diamonds and gemstones; iron and steel mill products; iron and steel products; nonferrous metals; nonmetallic minerals; nonmonetary gold; other precious metals; stone, sand, cement, etc.; sulfur; and zinc to the United States. Bulgaria imported aluminum and alumina, gem diamonds, iron and steel mill products, nonferrous metals, nonmonetary gold, nonmetallic minerals, and precious metals from the United States.
The Ministry of Energy was responsible for the transparency of energy policy, improving energy infrastructure, managing mineral resources, protecting customers’ interests, and developing nuclear energy. The Council of Ministers approved the licenses for mining and exploration and after approval the Ministry of Energy issued the licenses. The legislative framework for the mineral sector in Bulgaria was provided by the Underground Natural Resource Act (amendment and supply SG 67/15 August 2025), regulated exploration, granting permits, and concessions in the underground resource sector. The Concessions Act of April 15, 2016 (SG No. 13/16.02.2016), regulates the performance, procedure, terms, and termination of concessions. Most mineral commodities were produced by privately owned companies.
