Law on Mineral Resources Promulgated, The Official Gazette, No. 23 of 12 March 1999PART ONECOMMON PROVISIONSChapter OneSUBJECT-MATTER AND SCOPEArticle 1(1) This Law regulates the terms and conditions for:1. the prospecting for and the exploration and extraction of mineral resources within the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea;2. the protection of the earth recesses and the reasonable use of the mineral resources within the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea.(2) This Law shall not apply to activities in connection with:1. research, academic work and teaching;2. the prospecting for and the exploration, use and protection of subterranean waters, including their geothermal energy;3. the collection of rock, mineral and soil samples from the surface of the earth for non-commercial purposes;4. the extraction of gold from river flo...