More about the European Minerals Day

The initiative aims at increasing the awareness of this old but innovative and sustainable industry sector. Entertainment activities as searching for fossils, children animation, jeep safaris, workshops, and other similar activities on the European Minerals Day shall be a memorable experience for people of different ages.

This day is an initiative of the European industry of minerals, relates organizations and provides the citizens of Europe the opportunity to explore the world of minerals, discover more about an economic sector that affects every aspect of our lives.

Extraction of minerals and biodiversity

Good management is part of the solution: through proper planning and recovery, the industry wants to make a positive contribution to biodiversity conservation. In order to continue the development of best practices and share know-how regarding coping with biodiversity in the most effective way, a constructive dialogue with relevant stakeholders is required.

Reclaimed sites in the quarries become part of the European Natura 2000 Network. Quarries provide habitat for many rare and / or threatened species.

More about biodiversity

Open Doors Day for Children

Kaolin AD opens its doors for almost 400 children on the occasion of European Minerals Day. The students from schools in the region where the company operates will visit the industrial minerals fields. Students from schools of 8 cities shall attend 13 May 2011 events. They will get acquainted with the world of underground resources, methods for extraction and production, multiple applications of materials and best company practices on environmental protection.

See the open sites

Industry in Bulgaria and the EU

There has been found nearly 600 deposits on the territory of Bulgaria. Mining industry provides jobs for 30,000 people (120,000 including subcontractors). The industry forms 5% of Bulgaria GDP.

Europe has available about 30,000 active quarries, mines and factories, providing jobs for about 350 000 people (up to 500 000 including subcontractors).

14% of jobs in the EU depend on mineral resources.

European quarries operators observe sound principles of sustainable development. Mining operations offer profitable solutions for business and biodiversity, as well as population in a given location.

Minerals in our lives

Minerals take an important part in our lives, as 70% of production in Europe relies on fossil raw materials. Construction, chemical, automotive and engineering industries, which provide total added value of 1.324 milliard euros and 30 million jobs are dependent on the access to mineral resources.

One family house contains up to 150 tons of minerals. A car contains up to 250 kg of minerals. 50% of paint is composed of minerals. Paper may contain more than 30% of minerals. Ceramics consists of 100% minerals. The glass contains up to 100% minerals.

Explore the interactive house of minerals