Ellatzite-Med marks 50 years since the founding and groundbreaking of Ellatzite Copper Mining and Processing Plant
Ellatzite-Med, part of GEOTECHMIN GROUP, celebrated its 50th anniversary since the establishment of Ellatzite Copper Mining and Processing Plant and the start of its construction.
Under the inspiring motto “50 Years of Ellatzite-Med: Together, We Are Building a Better Tomorrow”, the company honoured the professionalism and dedication of the first generation of builders at an official event held in the town of Etropole.
During the celebration, the veterans were awarded appreciation certificates and plaques as a token of gratitude for their invaluable contribution. Among those honoured was Prof. DSc. Eng. Tzolo Voutov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Ellatzite-Med, whose remarkable career began at Ellatzite mine in 1976.
Among the official guests were His Eminence Metropolitan Gavriil of Lovech, the Mayor of Etropole Municipality M.Eng Vladimir Aleksandrov, PhD Eng. Ivan Voutov – Vice President of Geotechmin and Vice Chairman of the Management Board of Ellatzite-Med, Mr Dominic Hamers – Executive Director of Geotechmin, as well as senior managers from Geotechmin and Ellatzite-Med.
Prof. Voutov recalled the early years of the plant’s construction, highlighting the challenges of building a 6.5-km ore transport tunnel beneath the Stara Planina Mountain. He outlined the difficulties faced after the plant became part of GEOTECHMIN GROUP, and the achievements made possible by the dedication of the engineering staff and employees. Prof. Voutov emphasised that, with the support of local communities, the company will sustain its growth and development beyond 2031.
M.Eng. Dragomir Draganov expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the employees and management team for their key role in building the mine complex and achieving a production capacity of 10 million tonnes of ore in the past. He acknowledged the strategic vision of Geotechmin and Prof. Voutov personally for introducing new mining equipment and advanced technologies after privatisation. This led to substantial increase in production capacity to 16 million tonnes of ore and ensured long-term employment.
His Eminence Metropolitan Gavriil of Lovech extended his deep appreciation to the first builders and acknowledged the charitable activities of Ellatzite-Med, saying ‘You are benefactors not only of this diocese but also of all those places where you contribute to people’s well-being and where your help is warmly received.’
The Mayor of Etropole Municipality M.Eng. Vladimir Aleksandrov conveyed his respect to the doyens of mining construction in the municipality and acknowledged all those who have transferred their best practices to the young engineers. He emphasised the need for long-term development of the mine and the complex, which is of high importance for the municipalities.
Mrs Tsvetanka Atanasova, one of the doyens, expressed her gratitude for Ellatzite-Med’s long-standing support and acknowledged its overall contribution. She presented Prof. Voutov with an icon of St Ivan Rilski, symbolizing protection for him and all people working in the enterprise.
