Meeting among participants
by the REXPro project team and experts from the “Critical Raw Materials” Working Group at Asarel-Med
On April 27, 2026, in the Assarel deposit (town of Panagyurishte, Assarel Site), a meeting was held between participants of the REXPro project team (contract BG-RRP-2.011-0040-C01/C02), representing work packages WP1, 2, 3 and 5 and experts from the Critical Raw Materials Working Group of Assarel-Medet JSC.
At the meeting, the coordinator of the REXPro project, Prof. Dr. I. Peycheva, presented the mineralogical and geochemical results for hydrothermal ore and alteration products, accessory minerals, intermediate and final flotation products. Results from the application of zircon geochemical vectors in geological exploration of copper-porphyry systems in zones of varying hydrothermal alteration intensity were summarized. The concentration of some critical and strategic raw materials (CSRMs) in individual minerals from different stages of ore formation and hydrothermal alteration zones was discussed. The experts from GI-BAS outlined possible directions for complementary optimization of technologies without changing the well-functioning technology for mining and production of copper concentrate and production control.
The results of mineralogical-geochemical studies and laboratory flotation technologies of mineral fractions and average samples from the tailings pond "Lyulyakovitsa" of the Asarel mine were discussed (presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dimitrina Dimitrova, coordinator of WP3), as well as the application of magnetometric methods in the study of materials from the same tailings pond (presented by Prof. DSc. Diana Yordanova, coordinator of WP5). A general discussion was held, within which possible future research and development of technologies were discussed. In the afternoon program, the Flotation Plant and Tailings Pond "Lyulyakovitsa" were visited.
The meeting was held in a constructive and professional atmosphere and was distinguished by a high level of engagement on the participants. In conclusion, its practical benefit was noted, with the participants expressing a positive assessment of the applicability of the innovative approaches and technologies used.
