Canadian company Eldorado Gold is interested in new investments in the mining sector in Greece, according to the president of Hellas Gold (a subsidiary of Eldorado), Christos Balaskas.
Eldorado Gold's interest is focused on the construction of a metallurgical unit in Halkidiki and the development of the Perama gold deposit in Thrace.
Speaking at an IOBE event to present the socio-economic footprint of the investment in the Kassandra mines, Balaskas said the investment in Thrace is estimated at €430 million and is expected to create 700 jobs. An update of an earlier environmental impact study is currently underway, with a key condition being securing the consent of the local community through the information events that have been launched.
As for the metallurgical unit, which has been under discussion for a number of years, a final proposal from the committee examining alternative technologies is expected by the end of the year, on the basis of which the viability of the investment will be assessed and a decision will be taken at political level.
Balaskas said the implementation of the investment will enable the country to export finished products instead of raw materials, noting that currently 60 % of the company's production is exported to China. He estimated that there is an opportunity now, given the EU's focus on securing strategic autonomy in the area of critical raw materials ("Critical Raw Materials Act"), but also given the evolution of Canada-US relations, which is leading Canada to strengthen its economic relationship with the EU.
However, finding the necessary specialised workforce is a challenge. It is telling that Halkidiki currently employs workers from Bulgaria, Poland and Finland.
naftemporiki.gr/ gnews.cz - RoZ
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