As a leading provider of advanced drilling solutions for mining, exploration, and geological purposes, GEOPS boasts over two decades of experience in this crucial industry. We don our hardhats and revisit the company with Hristo Kulov, Deputy Executive Director.
DRILLING TO THE CORE
Headquartered in Bulgaria with operations spanning Europe, GEOPS has established a reputation for providing core drilling, directional drilling, and rotary and percussive drilling services in both surface and underground environments.
Privately owned and professionally structured, the company is a leader in the fields of mining and exploration, with over 20 years of business expertise and advanced infrastructure and technological solutions.
Since last featuring GEOPS in March 2025, the company’s past year has been exceptional – not only for itself, but for the European exploration market as a whole.
“For GEOPS, 2025 was the most successful year in our history. We operated at maximum capacity, particularly in terms of our people, with the entire organisation functioning as one cohesive unit,” updates Hristo Kulov, Deputy Executive Director.
“Throughout the year, our team maintained constant focus, discipline, and efficiency. I consider this a major generator of our success.”
Similarly, this serves as a clear indication that the European market was highly active in 2025. As the continent’s leader in metres (m) drilled, GEOPS’ performance directly reflects market intensity. However, this market motion was not uniform across all countries. For example, Germany remained relatively passive for the second consecutive year, whilst other regions showed strong exploration momentum driven by demand for critical raw materials.
Overall, the market is showing signs of being decisive, with a primary focus on copper and battery minerals.
With approximately 450 professionals under its employ, GEOPS is riding this wave of success with a strategy of increasing productivity and efficiency whilst maintaining operational agility and high service quality.
“We do not plan significant expansion in the near future as the European market is limited, particularly for skilled drillers and technical staff,” Kulov insights.
“Our industry demands commitment, discipline, and flexibility. Therefore, quality remains our priority over sheer expansion in volume; I strongly believe sustainable growth must never compromise quality.”
“For GEOPS, 2025 was the most successful year in our history. We operated at maximum capacity, particularly in terms of our people, with the entire organisation functioning as one cohesive unit”
Hristo Kulov, Deputy Executive Director, GEOPS
SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY
Previously, GEOPS was working on the Čukaru Peki copper-gold and Jadar lithium projects, both of which saw significant development over the course of 2025.
Specifically, at Čukaru Peki, activities have progressed further into development phases, with continued drilling support from GEOPS’ side. It remains one of the most important copper-gold deposits in the region, and the company is proud to have contributed to its advancement.
The Jadar lithium project, meanwhile, remains closely tied to Europe’s ambitions for its battery supply chain. Whilst regulatory processes and public dialogue remain part of its development journey, the project’s strategic importance for the European energy transition remains undeniable.
“GEOPS has maintained its technical readiness and long-term commitment to supporting such world-class projects,” enthuses Kulov.
Additionally, the company’s plan to further strengthen its drilling rig fleet by purchasing new rigs and refreshing existing machines has progressed as planned, with the successful completion of its own in-house drilling rig model development.
The next step is the production of chassis and supporting structural components, which will allow GEOPS to assemble fully completed drilling rigs internally in the near future.
“Our target is to renew approximately 50 percent of our fleet with new-generation machines. This is not simply replacement; it is modernisation, automation, and long-term strategic positioning,” insights Kulov.
“The new rigs are safer, more efficient, and better aligned with the evolving environmental and technical standards in Europe.”
“Our industry demands commitment, discipline, and flexibility. Therefore, quality remains our priority over sheer expansion in volume; I strongly believe sustainable growth must never compromise quality”
Hristo Kulov, Deputy Executive Director, GEOPS
COMMITMENT TO SUCCESS
Another initiative that GEOPS has successfully implemented across multiple projects is the mud recirculation system, which has proven to be an effective solution with various benefits.
“The positive outputs are clear: reduced water consumption, improved environmental performance, and cleaner site management. Beyond sustainability, it enhances operational stability and efficiency in challenging geological conditions,” details Kulov.
This successful system represents a significant step towards more responsible and technologically advanced drilling operations for the entire industry.
Equally, GEOPS has continued its work on a copper shale project located in Poland, which is progressing according to planned dynamics and fully meeting investor expectations.
“Operations are going forth smoothly, without technical or safety challenges,” asserts Kulov.
“It remains one of our most technically sophisticated deep drilling engagements, demonstrating our ability to operate in demanding geological environments whilst maintaining safety and precision.”
BUILDING UP A SUSTAINABLE WORLD
Currently, GEOPS is participating in two new strategic projects in the Czech Republic, which further showcase its extensive skill set.
The first is a major infrastructure project for the country, comprising geological drilling works for a new international railway tunnel between the Czech Republic and Germany.
“This is a capital project of international importance, and we are proud to hold one of the most significant operational roles within it,” expands Kulov.
The company has already completed approximately 80 percent of the project without incident or failure, emphasising strong efficiency and adherence to the planned timelines.
The second initiative is linked to the expansion of capacity at the Czech Republic’s largest nuclear power plant. This engagement further demonstrates trust in GEOPS’ technical reliability and operational discipline, particularly in highly sensitive and regulated environments.
“These projects also illustrate we are not only active in mining but also increasingly participating in strategic energy and infrastructure developments across Europe,” explains Kulov.
As GEOPS continues to look ahead towards a prosperous future within the mining industry, its priorities for 2026 are clear.
The company is setting its sights on achieving controlled and sustainable productivity growth, completing fleet modernisation and internal rig production capabilities, maintaining a continued focus on safety and environmental responsibility, and strategically positioning itself in infrastructure and energy-related projects.
“The past year proved GEOPS has the capacity, discipline, and internal cohesion to operate at peak performance. Now, our focus is to consolidate that strength and build long-term stability – remaining Europe’s leading exploration drilling contractor whilst preserving the agility and culture that brought us here,” proudly concludes Kulov.
