Hellas Gold inaugurates new copper-gold mine at Skouries

Hellas Gold’s inauguration ceremony of the new copper-gold mine was held at Skouries, in Halkidiki, in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

“If the Greek people renew our mandate, the next four-year term will be a landmark period for investment in our country,” the prime minister said, adding that the Skouries project could pave the way for further investments, particularly in northern Greece, which has significant untapped mineral wealth.

Company executives, the Canadian ambassador to Greece, ministers, deputy ministers and employee representatives attended the ceremony.

‘It is important to produce our own critical raw materials’**

Mitsotakis said Greece would produce not only gold but also copper, a critically important raw material. “At a time of major geopolitical upheaval, it is important for us to produce the critical raw materials we need ourselves,” he said, referring to Greece and Europe more broadly.

He also highlighted the project’s significant economic impact, noting that the state would collect tax revenue, while the municipality would receive a share of mining royalties. In parallel, an ambitious corporate social responsibility programme is expected to contribute more than €80 million to the municipality over 20 years through projects and other initiatives.

Ultimately, the prime minister stressed, the project’s impact would be reflected in the creation of numerous well-paid jobs. “We inherited a country with an unemployment rate of 18%, and today it stands at 7.4%,” he noted.

Mitsotakis said 5,000 people had worked on the Skouries project during its construction, while 3,000 direct and indirect jobs would be supported during its operation. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that local residents benefited from employment opportunities.

‘Greece is open for investment’**

The prime minister said responsible mining could be carried out safely while, above all, protecting the environment. He also described Greece as a country looking to the future with optimism and attracting investors on the strength of its credibility.

“We are sending a message, both within Greece and abroad, that the country is open for investment,” he said, reiterating that, if the public renewed the government’s mandate, the next four-year term would be a landmark period for investment.

“Our concern is to create well-paid jobs and ensure that young people know they can stay in their hometowns if that is what they want,” the prime minister concluded.

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