PRESIDENT RADEV ISSUED A DECREE TO AWARD STARA PLANINA ORDER, FIRST DEGREE TO PROF. DSC. ENG. TZOLO VOUTOV
Pursuant to the government's proposal, President Rumen Radev awarded Prof. DSc. Eng. Tzolo Voutov the Order Stara Planina, First Degree for his exceptional contribution and merits to the economic development of Bulgaria and establishment of contemporary industrial relations. The decree was promulgated in today's issue of the State Gazette.
Prof. Voutov, President of GEOTECHMIN GROUP comprising more than 20 companies, received this award as a token of recognition for the companies' social responsibility and economic performance and for his participation in the implementation of some of the most successful and high-profile projects in the mining industry, construction, road infrastructure and environmental protection in Bulgaria. He contributed to extending the life of Ellatzite mine by more than 25 years and implementing comprehensive, efficient and sustainable management of Ellatzite Mine Complex. Furthermore, he played an essential role in the successful completion of: Design and Construction of Benkovski-2 Tailings Pond - one of the most significant environmental projects in Bulgaria; construction of a new terminal and a new runway system at Sofia Airport; metro stations and tunnels; wastewater treatment plants and large infrastructure projects such as Struma Motorway. As an employer, Prof. Voutov has allocated substantial funds on reinvestment in production processes, in expanding the scope of activities into viable business ventures and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development of the regions where the Group operates.
Among the reasons for awarding this prize is also his dedication to scientific research and innovation, and his social commitment. As a long-standing Chairman of the Scientific and Technical Union of Mining, Geology and Metallurgy and a member of the management bodies of the Federation of the Scientific Engineering Unions, Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bulgarian Chamber of Mining and Geology, Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria, National Board of Tourism, and several international organizations, he has consistently helped improve the business environment in Bulgaria, protect private initiative and technological innovation, and enhance the potential of these organizations.
Prof. DSc. Eng. Tzolo Voutov and GEOTECHMIN GROUP's companies have embraced the values of corporate social responsibility by sponsoring special initiatives and supporting donation causes. For example, they have been long-standing partners of the Bulgarian Red Cross. As a mark of gratitude for their support and commitment to the benevolent causes of the Bulgarian Red Cross, Geotechmin OOD and Ellatzite-Med AD were awarded as the biggest corporate donors in 2014. Amongst its numerous CSR initiatives, the Group gives special attention to local communities, representatives of culture, science and education.
Prof. Voutov has received many honorary titles and awards, among which are the National Order of Labor - Gold - for the construction of Ellatzite Copper Mining and Processing Plant in the period 1976-1982; Special Prize of InvestBulgaria Agency for outstanding contribution to the Bulgarian economy, scientific research and development; Chairman's Award of the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria for overall contribution to the development of Bulgarian economy; Honorary Sign of the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy; the highest award of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – a Bronze Statuette HERMES; Оrder "For Humanism" – 1st grade of MANEB; Gold Badge "Prof. Asen Zlatarov" of the Federation of the Scientific Engineering Unions, etc.