How to Close a Mine and Open a Future | Irena Tsakova | TEDxVitosha

Irena Tsakova's TEDxVitosha talk looks at how a mining site can move from extraction toward ecological regeneration. She focuses on the question of what remains after a mining project ends. The talk centres on Ada Tepe, described as Europe's oldest gold mine, and on how industry, cultural heritage and community well-being might coexist there.

• Mine reclamation and ecological regeneration after mining ends
• Ada Tepe, described as Europe's oldest gold mine
• Balancing modern industry, cultural preservation and community needs
• Bulgaria's first successful mine reclamation project

In this talk, we discover how to rewrite the history of Europe's oldest gold mine into a future of ecological regeneration rather than just extraction. Irena has dedicated her career to answering one crucial question: what do we leave behind after a mining project ends? Recognized as one of the 100 most inspiring women in the global mining industry, she led Bulgaria's first successful mine reclamation. Now, she faces her most ambitious mission yet at Ada Tepe - Europe's oldest gold mine - proving that modern industry, cultural preservation, and a sustainable future for the community can coexist successfully. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx