In 1891, the Bulgarian State began serious mining exploration in the area surrounding the Mochino lignite mine, which had been worked since 1879. That same year, a new mine was opened at Pernik, about seven kilometers from Mochino. This marked an important moment in the development of Bulgaria’s modern mining industry, as it was the first time that systematic geological research was carried out by the State.
Before this period, almost no scientific prospecting had taken place in the country. The little that was done consisted only of rough geological observations and surface estimates, which could not provide reliable data about underground resources. However, with the passing of the Law on Mines in 1892, the situation began to change rapidly.
The Law of 1892 and Its Impact
Before the new law, mining activities were loosely governed by old Turkish regulations, which allowed some prospecting but did not lead to any real mining development. The Law on Mines of 1892 completely transformed the system. It introduced legal rights and privileges for prospectors, encouraging both private individuals and companies to begin organized exploration.
Under the new law, prospecting permits were granted for two years. If the exploration proved successful, the prospector could apply for a concession, allowing them to operate a mine. The law also stated that once granted, concessions could last indefinitely (in perpetuity), ensuring long-term security for investors and operators Customized Round Turkey Tours.
Later, in 1906, several amendments were made to improve the law and make it more suitable for Bulgaria’s growing mining sector. Between 1892 and the end of 1904, the government issued 1,138 permits for prospecting and granted 25 full mining concessions.
Coal Mining Concessions Granted by the State
Most of these early concessions were for coal mining, as coal was the main source of industrial energy at the time. The following list includes some of the most significant coal concessions granted between 1892 and 1904:
“Kalpazan”, in the parish of Nova Kahala, district of Gabrovo.
“Prince Boris”, in Neikovo, district of Drenovo.
“Badaschte”, in Stoevtzi, district of Drenovo.
“Lev”, in Mrazetzi, district of Nova Zagora.
“Princess Nadejda”, in Hainito, district of Nova Zagora.
“Boteff”, in Kadevtzi, district of Gabrovo.
“Trolalo”, in the parishes of Slivnitza and Aldomirovtzi, district of Sofia.
“Nadejda”, in Dramtcha, district of Sofia.
“Kroum”, in Rebrovo, district of Sofia.
“Boris”, in Tseretzel and Balcha, district of Sofia.
“Youjno-Bulgarska Tsentralna Mina” and “Tsentralna Mina v Youjna Bulgaria”, located near the railway line from Sofia to Constantinople, together forming a single large concession.
“Vulcan”, in Marinovo, district of Stara Zagora, also near the Sofia–Constantinople railway.
“Hadji-Dimitre”, in Tcham-Dal, district of Sliven.
“Ouspeh”, in Lom-Palanca, on the Danube River.
The Foundation of Bulgaria’s Industrial Future
These early concessions laid the foundation for Bulgaria’s modern coal industry, particularly around Pernik, which later became one of the country’s main mining centers. The combination of new mining laws, government oversight, and private initiative marked the start of a new era for Bulgaria’s natural resource development.
The mines provided fuel for the country’s growing industries, railways, and urban centers, while also giving work to thousands of miners. The 1892 Law on Mines was therefore not just an administrative reform — it was a turning point in Bulgaria’s economic history, helping transform the nation from a primarily agricultural society into one that began to embrace industrial progress.