Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Alexandra Sdoukou, visits the Skouries mining project
07.10.24
Athens, 7 October 2024
PRESS RELEASE
Hellas Gold had the honour of hosting a visit from the Greek Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Alexandra Sdoukou, today - 07 October 2024 - at its flagship Skouries Project, in Halkidiki, northern Greece.
During the visit, Hellas Gold had the opportunity to showcase the significant progress made through the consistent implementation of sustainable mining practices, as well as the environmental protection measures and economic development in the region, with the project having reached 76% overall completion by the end of Q2 2024. The visit also emphasized the crucial role the Skouries Project is expected to play in Greece's green transition and its importance on both a national and global scale.
As part of the visit, the Deputy Minister was provided with an in-depth briefing on the latest advancements in environmental technologies and safety protocols implemented at the site, including its internationally recognized technologies in water and waste management, concurrent rehabilitation, and environmental monitoring.
The Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Alexandra Sdoukou, said: "I am here today at Skouries, a project that marks a new era for the Greek mining industry. My visit aims to closely observe the progress of the works and to assure that the Ministry is closely monitoring the project's development. The Skouries mine is a project of strategic importance for our country. It will contribute to strengthening the economy, creating new jobs with a priority for hiring from the local community, and enhancing our country’s competitiveness on the global metals map. I am particularly pleased to see that the works are progressing rapidly and according to schedule, with the goal of completing the project by 2025.
At the same time, I want to emphasize that the government places special importance on environmental protection. Companies carrying out such projects are obliged to strictly adhere to environmental conditions and implement the most advanced technologies to reduce the environmental footprint. Skouries will be the model that other similar investments will follow, making Greece an attractive destination for investments in the Critical Raw Materials sector, especially after the European Union’s shift towards reducing its dependence on third countries."
Eldorado Gold President and CEO, George Burns , commented: "We are grateful for the opportunity to offer the Deputy Minister a comprehensive overview of the advancements at our world-class copper & gold Skouries Project, which reflect our dedication to minimizing environmental impact, enhancing community well-being and fostering sustainable development throughout the project's lifecycle. We remain steadfast in our belief that the Skouries Project can play a key role in Europe's green transition, while positioning Greece as a global hub for sustainable mining. We have worked tirelessly to make Skouries a model mine, staying true to our commitment to drive economic development while safeguarding the environment. We would like to thank local communities, authorities, and the government for their continued engagement and collaboration."
About Hellas Gold
Hellas Gold is a mining company for gold, silver, lead, and zinc, headquartered in Athens. Since 2004, it has been responsibly and safely developing and operating the Kassandra Mines in NE Halkidiki under the strictest environmental terms. The Kassandra Mines consist of three mining projects: the Stratoni-Mavres Petres Mine, the Olympias Mine, and the Skouries Project. Continuing a 25-century mining history, Hellas Gold invests in the sustainable development of the Kassandra Mines, boosting economic growth and contributing to the prosperity of the local community with investments exceeding $1 billion, employing 2,173 workers, actively supporting local suppliers, and making significant investments in local community support initiatives and projects. Since 2012, it operates as a subsidiary of Eldorado Gold Corporation, a Canadian mining company with long-term experience in the exploration, development, and operation of mines worldwide.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Erika Xirouchaki, Director, Corporate Affairs & Communications, Greece, 214-6870000, Erika.Xirouchaki@eldoradogold.com
Main picture, from left: Stelios Valianos, Mayor of Aristotle, Louw Smith, Executive Vice President, Development, Eldorado Gold, Alexandra Sdoukou, Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, George Burns, Eldorado Gold President and CEO, Christos Balaskas, President of Hellas Gold, Erika Xirouchaki, Director, Corporate Affairs & Communications, Hellas Gold.
