Coal production increased by 2,492,022 tonnes from 2006, according to data of the National Statistical Institute which were presented by the Mining and Geology Association (MGA) on the miners' holiday, August 18.

There is also an increase in the production of lead concentrate, by 2,527 tonnes, and zinc concentrate, by 2,657 tonnes, BTA reports.

The main output of ore mining in Bulgaria is copper, lead and zinc. The price of copper remains unchanged, but lead and zinc prices are beginning to fall, which causes concern regarding underground extraction, because investments there are big. Fears are that some mines will be shut down, MGA Executive Secretary Peter Petrov said.

MGA Management Board Chairman Luchezar Tsotsorkov said greater transparency is needed in making decisions about granting concessions in the sector.

People from the sector are surprised that their proposals concerning the conditions of concession, related to the Subsoil Resources Act, have been ignored by the Environment Committee in Parliament.