Bulgaria has large stocks of basalt in the Strandzha-Sakar massive. The unique deposit of the most solid rock, called Boliarka, is located in the village of Malko Sharkovo near Elhovo.

Exploration of basalt deposits in the region indicates that there are more than 50 million tons, said Mitko Marinov, manager of Elimar. The company has a project to build a quarry with a capacity of 280-300 thousand tons per year, a plant for crushing and stone wool factory. Investment is between EUR 12-14 million.

These deposits are rare not only in Bulgaria but also in Europe. Bulgaria has basaltic deposits elsewhere as well, but they are small and are not worth to be developed, confirmed Professor Ilia Baltov. Boliarka was partially studied 30-40 years ago. However, now we know that it is a unique field, said Professor Dimitar Nazarski from UACEG.

It is not only a big deposit, but is 90 km away from a sea port, 20 km from a railway station and 65 km from a border checkpoint.