Sofulu council renews unanimous opposition to mining project in Bulgaria's Rozino

The Municipal Council of Sofulu has unanimously reaffirmed its opposition to a planned mining and ore-processing project in Rozino, Bulgaria, located just 13 kilometers from the Greek-Bulgarian border, citing potential cross-border environmental risks.

The council reiterated its position during its latest meeting on August 19, following a request from Greece's Ministry of Environment and Energy for regional and local authorities, organizations and citizens to submit their views on the proposed investment by the end of August.

The mining operation has not yet begun, as the project remains subject to consultation with the local community in Bulgaria.

According to Apostolos Davi, president of the Sofulu Municipal Council and rapporteur on the issue, Bulgaria requested comments from the Greek side because of the project's proximity to Greece and the potential for cross-border impacts.

Concerns over pollution and cross-border risks
According to information provided by the Bulgarian authorities, the planned mining area contains an estimated 12 million tons of mineral reserves.

The project is expected to operate within the transboundary catchment basin of the Erythropotamos River, which eventually flows into the Evros River, raising concerns in Sofulu over potential impacts on water resources and the wider environment.

Among the concerns raised are potential pollution from arsenic, mercury and lead, acid drainage from the open-pit mine, possible failures of mining waste dams, underground contamination and the dispersion of airborne mining waste.

The potential spread of airborne pollutants could reportedly extend to distances of up to 100 kilometers, according to the information presented to the council.

Sofulu Mayor Panagiotis Kalakikos said the municipality had already unanimously opposed the project in a resolution adopted on February 28, 2024, and saw no reason to change its position.

Kalakikos also said he rejected a request from the mining company to visit the municipality, arguing that the municipal council had already reached its decision and did not require further briefing from the company.

Opposition leader Stamatis Tsiakiris likewise expressed his support for the council's position, saying the municipality should oppose activities that could affect the environment, local communities and nature.

The unanimous decision comes as the consultation process continues in Bulgaria, with Greek authorities and local stakeholders able to submit their observations before the end of August.

Sofulu seeks local public holiday on May 15
During the same meeting, the Sofulu Municipal Council unanimously approved a separate proposal to establish May 15 as an official local celebration and public holiday commemorating the liberation of Sofulu from Ottoman rule.

The decision will be forwarded to Greece's Ministry of Interior for review and the issuance of the necessary Presidential Decree.

According to historical research presented to the council by Athanasios Gouridis, head of the municipality's Directorate of Technical Services, Urban Planning and Environment and a researcher of archaeology and history, Greek troops arrived outside Sofulu on the evening of May 14, 1920, before entering the town at approximately 10 a.m. on May 15 and liberating it.

If approved, the local holiday would apply throughout the Municipality of Sofulu.

Mayor Kalakikos described the initiative as an important step that would address the municipality's lack of an official local holiday while giving the anniversary of the town's liberation a more prominent ceremonial character.