With a vision to help build a sustainable and resilient economy in Northern Greece, Leonidas Bakouras, General Manager of Thracean Mining, subsidiary of Eldorado Gold, took part in the 9th Thessaloniki Development Conference, organized by the Hellenic Institute for Research and Development (ELINEKA). Among the conference’s keynote speakers were Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis, Deputy Minister of Development Stavros Kalafatis, Deputy Minister of Labour Anna Efthymiou, Regional Governor of Central Macedonia Athina Aidona, and Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis.
In his address, Mr. Bakouras outlined the significant benefits of the planned mining investment in Perama, Thrace, valued at more than $430 million. He emphasized that the project is designed in line with the strictest international environmental standards and modern mining best practices, while addressing the region’s real economic needs. The investment is expected to help stabilize local population decline, tackle unemployment, and strengthen Thrace’s limited industrial base.
He stressed that the project is being planned under a framework of clear rules, strong institutional and social oversight, and full respect for the environment. It is also expected to enhance the region’s geopolitical importance by positioning Thrace as a European hub for critical raw materials.
Mr. Bakouras described the public consultation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a top priority, ensuring that institutions and citizens have the time and access to reliable scientific information needed to form an informed view. “Trust is built on facts, and transparency for us is non-negotiable,” he said.
Referring to the EIA — prepared primarily by leading Greek universities — Mr. Bakouras concluded: “We want the study to be carefully reviewed, evaluated, and openly discussed on the basis of scientific evidence.”