Assarel-Medet JSC Mining and Processing Complex is the first, biggest and leading Bulgarian company of copper ore mining and processing, providing 13 millions of tonnes of ore per year, comprising around 50% of the national production. The company, established in 1964, is an employer of 1,300 people with an additional 400 employed in subsidiaries and joint ventures. Hence, it is the biggest source of social and economic development in the district of Pazardzhik.
The company constantly invests in technology and modernisation. Continuing this trend, the company decided to invest in improved workplace safety and decreased energy consumption.
The company addressed BEERECL for a loan and technical assistance for this project. The BEERECL team performed the analysis of this investment, primarily the potential for energy savings and the technical-financial parameters.
The project comprised the upgrade of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) at five administrative buildings and the replacement of four old forklifts.
The €900,000 investment allowed the company to decrease its energy bill by €215,000 per year, complemented with €35,000 per year of operational and maintenance cost decreases. The investment will repay itself out of cost savings in just 4 years, leaving the cash-flow as an income for years to come. Not to forget the improved working conditions.
Securing savings and, hence, the competitiveness and future, the company can continue with other socially responsible projects that it implements in quantity, as well as continuing to be the leading employer of the region and a driver of economic well-being.