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Visitors, from across the political and business communities, as well as institutional stakeholders, visited the Thracean Mining and Hellas Gold booths, both subsidiaries of Eldorado Gold.
Visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the Skouries copper-gold project, which is now entering its final stage of development, as well as the Perama gold-silver mining project in Evros. Through immersive VR and AR applications, they were also able to take a virtual tour of the Perama mine and explore the mine’s full life cycle.
At the heart of our presence are responsible mining, innovation and sustainability – principles that guide the way we plan and develop our mining activities.
Our presence at TIF continues!
On Saturday, September 12, we will present two important initiatives currently being implemented in Thrace: Vion Skills, developed in collaboration with Eduact, which invests in skills development and the next generation through STEM, and our primary sector support program, implemented in collaboration with Ergoplanning.

A new Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, providing free scientific and technical support through ERGOPLANNING and reflecting the Company’s commitment to the parallel and sustainable development of all productive activities across Thrace.

Thracean Mining has launched a new practical support programme for farmers, livestock breeders and beekeepers across Thrace, offering voluntary participation and access to specialised support at no cost to producers.

The programme was introduced through two open information sessions, held on Monday, 31 August in Sapes and on Tuesday, 1 September in Komaros, at the Company’s Community Information Centre.

Practical support tailored to producers’ real needs

The programme is built around a simple principle: producers themselves know their land, their livestock and their operations better than anyone. What can make a meaningful difference is easy, cost-free access to specialised scientific expertise, reliable laboratory data and practical solutions that respond to their actual needs.

To deliver this support, Thracean Mining has partnered with ERGOPLANNING, which is responsible for the implementation of the programme.

ERGOPLANNING brings 25 years of experience in the primary sector and agricultural development, having worked with thousands of producers, agricultural businesses and collective organisations. Through ERGOhub, its broader network of scientific and technical specialists, the programme can draw on expertise across a range of fields, including agricultural development, the environment, the green economy, research and innovation. Laboratory support is provided by QLAB, with the capacity to perform analyses of soil, water, animal feed and agricultural products.

What the programme includes 

The programme is structured around six key areas:

• Needs assessment, through direct engagement between specialists and producers to identify the real challenges and requirements of each individual farm or operation.
• Free laboratory analyses, where required, including soil, water, animal feed and product testing.
• Training and practical applications in agriculture, livestock farming and beekeeping.
• Tailored advisory support, for producers who wish to participate, based on the specific characteristics and needs of their operation.
• Pilot applications of new practices and solutions in selected farms and operations, always on a voluntary basis.
• Exploring opportunities for stronger market links, with the aim of improving production and quality, managing production costs more effectively and enhancing the visibility and value of local products.

Participation in the programme is entirely voluntary and free of charge. Each producer can choose to participate only in the activities that are relevant to their own needs.

Through this initiative, Thracean Mining is putting into practice its broader vision for the development of the region: for the Perama Project to form part of a wider development path for Thrace, creating new opportunities while at the same time supporting the productive activities that already exist in the region and will continue to exist long after mining activities have concluded.

The initiative forms part of Thracean Mining’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme and reflects a broader principle that guides the Company’s approach to regional development: a major investment cannot and should not exist in isolation from the place in which it operates.

On the contrary, an investment of this scale can help create a wider ecosystem of businesses, professionals, suppliers and productive activities, generating new opportunities and added value for the local economy. Within this context, the development of the Perama Project is intended to progress alongside the activities that have long been part of Thrace’s economy and identity, including agriculture, livestock farming and beekeeping.

For Thracean Mining, mining and the primary sector are not competing choices. Sustainable development requires different productive activities to coexist, evolve and prosper side by side, with respect for the environment and with tangible benefits for local communities.

With the support of Thracean Mining, 840 children across Thrace have discovered the world of STEAM and educational robotics

The success of an educational programme is measured not only by numbers, but also by the enthusiasm it inspires. Full classrooms, strong participation and the excitement of children and their families have shown that VION SKILLS has responded to a genuine need within the local community.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, Thracean Mining supports the implementation of VION SKILLS, an educational initiative delivered by Eduact—one of Greece’s leading organisations in non-formal education, with extensive experience in STEM/STEAM education, educational robotics and the development of innovative learning programmes for children and young people.

The programme is delivered at dedicated learning centres in Alexandroupoli (12 Eleftherias Square) and Komotini (2 N. Plastira Street) and is offered free of charge to all participants.

During the summer of 2025, 14 workshops welcomed a total of 840 participants. The first official programme cycle, launched in October 2025, engaged 280 children—140 in Komotini and 140 in Alexandroupoli—while 40 university students from the region completed LEGO® Education-certified training programmes. The second programme cycle, launched in early 2026, received an overwhelmingly positive response from the local community, highlighting the growing demand for high-quality educational opportunities in the region.

The programme’s impact has now been recognised at a national level. On Thursday, 2 July, VION SKILLS received the Bronze Award in the STEM/STEAM Education category at the Education Leaders Awards, held at the Ancient Olive Grove Conference Centre of the University of West Attica in Athens.

The award recognises the programme’s educational quality, innovation and contribution to expanding access to modern learning opportunities, demonstrating that impactful initiatives developed outside major metropolitan areas can achieve national recognition.

For Thracean Mining, supporting VION SKILLS is part of a broader commitment to investing in the future of local communities. The programme’s strong public response, combined with this recent national recognition, reinforces the company’s commitment to continuing and further developing the initiative.

Eduact delivers educational programmes throughout Greece, working closely with universities, schools, public institutions, organisations and businesses to promote experiential learning and the development of 21st-century skills. It is also recognised as one of Greece’s most experienced organisations in educational robotics, with an active presence in national and international competitions, including the FIRST LEGO League.

Eduact’s multidisciplinary team of educators, computer scientists and engineers brings innovative educational practices and internationally recognised expertise to children and young people in Thrace, offering learning experiences that until recently were largely available only in Greece’s major urban centres.

Following the programme’s strong reception, Thracean Mining will continue supporting VION SKILLS, which will expand in the coming year with new educational activities and additional learning opportunities. The aim is to give even more children, teenagers and university students across Thrace access to STEAM education, educational robotics and creative, hands-on learning experiences.

Thracean Mining’s support for VION SKILLS forms part of the company’s wider Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, which includes initiatives in education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental sustainability and local economic development.

Modern mining and environmental protection can coexist. Across Eldorado Gold’s operations in Greece, a common point of reference is a mining model that combines modern extraction practices with responsible environmental management—an approach already embedded in the day-to-day operations of Hellas Gold.

As demand for the raw materials needed to support modern technologies and the transition to a low-carbon economy continues to grow, the mining industry faces a dual challenge: meeting these needs in a sustainable manner while safeguarding the natural environment.

Against this backdrop, Hellas Gold consistently invests in a model that integrates modern mining with responsible environmental stewardship. According to a recent study by IOBE, the company invests approximately €9 million annually in environmental protection and restoration initiatives. The results are tangible: 44% of the land used for mining activities has already been restored or is currently under restoration, while the adoption of advanced processing and recycling technologies has reduced water consumption by 75% over the past decade.

Innovation also plays a central role in environmental management. Through its Environmental Monitoring Program, Hellas Gold publishes real-time data on water, air and soil quality, as well as noise, vibrations and dust levels. This information is freely accessible through an interactive digital platform, covering 15 environmental parameters across 700 monitoring locations.

The same philosophy is reflected in biodiversity management, particularly at Skouries, where a comprehensive flora and fauna protection program is implemented both before and during operations. Specialized scientific teams—including botanists, ornithologists, zoologists and other experts—systematically monitor important plant and animal species to ensure that appropriate measures are taken in a timely manner. From the transplantation of rare plant species to wildlife rescue and landscape restoration, every intervention is guided by prevention, scientific expertise and respect for nature.

A notable example involved the discovery of an active nest of the rare Honey Buzzard within an operational area at Skouries. When monitoring identified two chicks in the nest, the company, working closely with field scientists, established a 100-metre protection zone and temporarily suspended logging activities in the area from May until the end of August, allowing the young birds to fledge safely.

Similar protection measures, including buffer zones and continuous monitoring, were implemented for woodpecker nests and other protected bird species. In the case of bats—an important component of the local ecosystem—specialist scientists inspected tree cavities and underground shelters using endoscopic cameras and acoustic monitoring equipment. Dozens of trees were assessed as potential roosting or breeding sites to prevent disturbance during sensitive periods. The surveys confirmed the presence of several bat species in the area; however, no active roosts were found in trees scheduled for logging. This allowed operations to proceed safely while underscoring the value of continuous scientific monitoring.

Thracean Mining is applying the same approach in the design and environmental management of its project, with a commitment to transparency, systematic monitoring and environmental protection measures tailored to the unique characteristics of Thrace’s natural environment.

As part of its ongoing focus on safety, prevention, and preparedness, Thracean Mining organized a fire safety and emergency response training initiative for its employees.

The training was carried out in collaboration with officials from the Administration of Fire Services of the Regional Unit of Evros, who provided both theoretical and hands-on training on fire prevention and response, the proper use of firefighting equipment, the basic principles of civil protection, and the appropriate actions to take in emergency situations.

Throughout the training, participants became familiar with modern prevention and risk management practices, while also taking part in practical exercises aimed at strengthening preparedness, teamwork, and quick response in critical situations.

The initiative was another meaningful step toward further strengthening a culture of safety and responsibility, both in and beyond the workplace.

At Thracean Mining, we continue to invest in the training and development of our people, recognizing that prevention, awareness, and continuous learning are key to protecting human life and responding effectively to emergency situations.

At the same time, our close cooperation with local authorities reflects the company’s commitment to promoting a strong culture of safety, prevention, and social responsibility.

The company warmly thanks the Administration of Fire Services of the Regional Unit of Evros for its valuable contribution to the successful implementation of the training initiative, as well as the employees who actively participated, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility, teamwork, and preparedness.

Thracean Mining announces that Mr. Leonidas Bakouras has successfully completed his tenure as General Manager of the Company, following a particularly productive period marked by significant milestones for both the company and the Perama Project.

The Management of Eldorado Gold and Thracean Mining warmly thank him for his valuable services and constructive contribution to such a demanding undertaking, and wish him continued success in all his personal and professional pursuits.

During Mr. Bakouras’ tenure, Thracean Mining was organized and staffed with a strong presence of people from Thrace itself, strengthened its operational readiness, upgraded critical infrastructure and systems, and advanced important scientific and technical work.

A defining milestone of this period was the completion and submission of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Perama Project, marking the maturation of the undertaking and paving the way for the next stages of permitting.

At the same time, meaningful and systematic open dialogue was developed with the local community, local government, the academic community, and institutional stakeholders across Thrace. The operation of Community Information Centers in Perama and Komaros, as well as Information Centers in Alexandroupolis, Komotini, and Sapes, was initiated and implemented, creating an integrated network for public information and communication, while collaborations were also developed with research and educational institutions in the region.

The footprint of this period is tangible and publicly documented: the restart of the Project in Thrace, the submission of the EIA, the strengthening of the company’s social presence, and the creation of more mature conditions for the future of both the region and the investment.

Statement by Mr. Leonidas Bakouras

“At Thracean Mining, I am handing over a company that is more organized, more strongly staffed with people from Thrace, and with the completed Environmental Impact Assessment for Perama serving as a milestone that opens the next phase of the project. Everything that was built, was built collectively — by employees, partners, and institutional stakeholders who, even when they disagreed, did so with substance and perspective. To them I owe the pride with which I depart,” stated Mr. Leonidas Bakouras.

Statement by Mr. Christos Balaskas, Chairman of Hellas Gold and Chairman & CEO of Thracean Mining

“I recognize the work that has been accomplished and the foundation that has been built. Our objective remains the responsible development of the Perama Project, with steadfast commitment to the strictest environmental standards, employee safety, meaningful communication with the local community, and the creation of long-term value for Thrace and the Greek economy,” stated Mr. Christos Balaskas.

Thracean Mining’s Information Centers in Alexandroupolis, Komotini, and Sapes are in their final stage of completion and are expected to open to the public soon.

These new spaces have been designed to serve as open points of engagement, where reliable information is combined with direct communication and meaningful dialogue. From the first glimpses, their character is already clear: modern, people-centered environments created to bring the company closer to local communities and strengthen relationships of trust.

At the Information Centers, visitors will be able to access responsible, science-based information on every aspect of the Perama project, including the Environmental Impact Assessment and the public consultation process, as well as broader topics related to modern mining practices, sustainable development, and environmental monitoring and protection. At the same time, they will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive information both digitally and through direct interaction with company representatives.

As noted by the Company’s General Manager, Leonidas Bakouras:
“Dialogue has value when it is open, continuous, and meaningful. Through our Information Centers in the cities and our Community Info Centers in Perama and Komaros, we are building an integrated communication network where people can stay informed, express their views, and actively participate, with respect and transparency.”

The development of these centers reflects the commitment of Thracean Mining, as well as its parent company, Eldorado Gold, to operate with respect for local communities, fostering participation and building trust. With their opening, they will serve as a consistent point of reference for ongoing information and communication.

Thracean Mining has established a Community Information Center in Perama, Evros, further reinforcing its commitment to transparency and open, meaningful dialogue with the local community. At the same time, the development of a second Community Information Center in Komaros is already underway.

In the presence of the Company’s General Manager, Mr. Leonidas Bakouras, and employees of Thracean Mining and Thrace Minerals, local residents had the opportunity to visit the facility and receive reliable and comprehensive information about the planned project in Perama, as well as updates on its progress.

During the meeting, the main pillars of the project were presented, with emphasis on modern mining practices, environmental protection measures, and the opportunities created for the local economy and employment. At the same time, the Company’s intention to actively support the everyday life of local residents was highlighted, through initiatives aimed at strengthening agriculture and livestock farming — key pillars of the area’s productive activity.

As noted by the Company’s General Manager, Mr. Leonidas Bakouras:
“We have a responsibility to be present, to listen, and to respond with accountability. The Community Information Center in Perama serves as an open space for dialogue, where residents of the communities located near the Project can stay informed and actively engage.”

Aligned with the commitments of its parent company, Eldorado Gold, Thracean Mining continues to invest in initiatives that enhance transparency, trust, and collaboration with local communities, guided by responsible development and respect for both the environment and people.

Thracean Mining is advancing the development of a plant nursery in the Perama area of Evros — an initiative rooted in the belief that responsible mining and environmental stewardship are not opposing concepts, but complementary pillars of a shared vision.

The study for the development of the nursery was conducted by the Democritus University of Thrace, bringing forward the expertise of academic research along with a deep understanding of the local ecosystem. The nursery will host endemic forest species, bee-friendly plants, and local varieties of fruit trees, contributing to the preservation and enhancement of natural ecosystems while demonstrating in practice the harmonious coexistence of modern mining with agriculture and the primary sector.

The plants produced will be utilized in restoration and reforestation initiatives, while also being made available — through the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program — to support the local farming and beekeeping communities.

Furthermore, the operation of the nursery will rely primarily on employees from the local community, strengthening local employment while leveraging the knowledge and experience of people with a deep understanding of plant characteristics and the specificities of the local ecosystem. In this way, a core foundation for a sustainable agricultural activity is being established, one that will continue to evolve alongside mining operations and support the region over the long term.

As stated by the General Manager, Mr. Leonidas Bakouras:

“Faithful to the commitments of our parent company Eldorado Gold, investing in the natural environment and in the people of the local community is a key priority. Through initiatives such as the establishment of the nursery in Perama, Evros, we aim to make a meaningful contribution to nature conservation, as well as to strengthen productive activities that generate long-term value. The nursery is a tangible example of this philosophy — it connects science, environmental sustainability, and the local community in a shared endeavor.”

The traditional New Year’s celebration of Thracean Mining  S.A. and Thrace Minerals S.A. was a special occasion bringing together employees, partners and management in a warm gathering held at the company’s facilities in Sapes.

The event offered a valuable opportunity for meaningful communication, the exchange of ideas and genuine human connection — elements that are an integral part of the culture shared by both Companies. It also highlighted the importance of collective effort as a cornerstone of growth and the two Companies’ continued presence in Thrace.

During the event, the General Manager, Mr. Leonidas Bakоuras, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all employees who contribute daily with dedication, consistency and professionalism to the progress of both Companies. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of responsible and sustainable operations, as an expression of respect for both the local community and the environment.

The event closed on a high note, with heartfelt wishes extended to every member of both Companies for health, happiness and continued success in all their endeavors.

Today’s development is inseparable from mineral resources. The need to responsibly utilize mining potential is no longer in question.

At the same time, modern mining is not built solely on equipment and technology. It is built on open dialogue, empathy, and genuine respect for local communities.

At #MoneyShow2026 in Thessaloniki—an event that brought together more than 10,000 visitors—Thracean Mining had the opportunity to engage with representatives from government, local authorities, and the business community of Northern Greece, presenting its planned investment in Thrace.

During a dedicated session, Leonidas Bakouras, General Manager of Thracean Mining, outlined the key principles shaping the next phase of the Perama project in Evros:

Transparency in action: From public engagement and technical design to a fully accessible environmental monitoring system

Safety above all: Investing in advanced prevention systems to minimize risks for both people and the environment

Respect for the environment: Implementing measures to significantly reduce environmental impact

Modern mining is fundamentally different from the past. By bringing tomorrow’s technology into today’s operations, we are proving that environmental protection, human safety, and social well-being can move forward together.

On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, Christos Balaskas, President of Hellas Gold, and Leonidas Bakouras, General Manager of Thracean Mining, visited the Mufti of Komotini, Dr. Yasiar Serif Damadoglou.

During the meeting, they exchanged warm wishes for health, prosperity, and continued progress for the local community, marking the end of Ramadan in a spirit of respect and mutual appreciation. The importance of maintaining open communication and meaningful dialogue with local institutions and the people of Thrace was also reaffirmed.

This visit is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen relationships of trust with the local community, guided by respect for its traditions and values.