Bulgaria, Azerbaijan to implement gasification project in Panagyurishte

The Bulgarian Mining and Processing Complex Assarel Medet, in partnership with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), is set to undertake a significant gasification project in the town of Panagyurishte.

The project aims to transform the town, located 91 kilometres east of Sofia in the Pazardzhik Province, by introducing natural gas infrastructure, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

“We are collaborating with SOCAR on a gasification project for Panagyurishte, where our company is based. We anticipate starting the gasification process next year,” Nikolay Peltekov, Executive Director of Assarel Medet, said.

This project is expected to have a profoundly positive impact on the region, which currently relies heavily on solid fuels for heating.

Peltekov also highlighted that SOCAR commenced gas supplies to Bulgarian industrial enterprises, including Assarel Medet this June. 

“We are confident that SOCAR, as our strategic partner, will continue to provide us with gas at competitive prices over the long term,” he added.

Mining and Processing Complex Assarel Medet is the first, largest and leading Bulgarian mining company for open pit mining and processing of copper ores, providing about 50 per cent of the national production of honey.

The company is a key factor for socio-economic development and the image of the municipality of Panagyurishte and Pazardzhik. It has very important role for the Bulgarian economy.

Assarel Medet annually processes about 13 million tons of ore, ensuring sustainable development and production to maximize use of the mineral resources of the deposit “Assarel.” The company manufactures and markets home and abroad for high-quality copper concentrate and copper cathode.

On May 8, 2024, SOCAR and Assarel Investment, a subsidiary of Assarel Medet, signed a memorandum of understanding, solidifying their collaborative efforts.