The mining industry is an important part and one of the main driving forces of the country`s economy. It contributes to infrastructural development of regions, creates employment and increases the possibilities for diversification of public revenues.
During the Soviet period the mining industry in Georgia was relatively well-developed. Extracted minerals included: polymetals, manganese, coal, oil, barite, arsenic, diatomite, bentonite clays, raw materials for cement manufacture etc. creating a favorable basis for the development of a processing industry.
The collapse of the Soviet Union resulted in the decline of industry, including mining in Georgia. Since gaining independence, the Government of Georgia has initiated a number of unsuccessful reforms. A unified state policy and a long-term strategy on the development of the mining sector have never been adopted. In this regard the EU -Georgia Association Agreement signed in 2013 may lead to important changes in the mineral extraction and processing industry.