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Bulgaria: a new uranium rush?
StandartNews |

The comment of Bulgarian Economy Minister Dragomir Stoynev that resumption of uranium mining in the country by the end of the year would be possible stirred a significant public debate. The minister told the Parliament that there are inquiries from investors interested in the possibility of mining of uranium in Bulgaria, which include world famous companies mainly from Canada and Australia, Standart daily reports.

Uranium extraction has first began in Bulgaria by the Germans in 1938. After the end of World War II, the mining of the radioactive substance became classified. With "Top Secret" signs, access to information about Bulgaria's deposits was stopped and gave rise to "rumors" about aliens and ancient tombs emitting radiation. Rumor also had it that prisoners sentenced to death were sent to work in the uranium mines.

The decision to close down the uranium mining in Bulgaria was taken in 1992. Before the decision to liquidate the industry, uranium mining in the country has reached 645 tons per year, Bulgaria ranked fourth in the world. 48 mines were still operational and 30 were carrying out research in 1992. The most famous Bulgarian uranium mines were Eleshnitsa Sborishte , Bialata Voda, Dolna Banya . Seslavci and Kremikovci near Sofia also served as uranium extraction places. Exports entirely were directed to the Soviet Union with Bulgaria processing the raw material, and the USSR sending it back as nuclear fuel for the NPP Kozloduy .

The possibility of the re-launch of uranium mining in Bulgaria has raised security and health concerns in many. Yet, according to Smolyanovtsi mayor Plamen Lichov, people in his village are now dying from the misery instead of radiation. Until recently, the Montana village was known for its uranium mine, which was closed in 1990. Today it is gone, with the livelihood in it also gone. Now the residents of the village are struggling with high employment, no prospects and youngsters are leaving in the hope of a better life elsewhere.
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