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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.

Interview with Leonidas Bakouras, General Manager, Thracean Mining
by Sofia Papadopoulou, Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA)
Blue Heritage Thessaloniki Summit

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you very much to the organizers for today’s invitation. It is a pleasure to be here in Thessaloniki and to discuss the future of Northern Greece — calmly, with a technocratic approach and with rationality.

JOURNALIST: Mr. Bakouras, why does mining activity today have such a strong impact on development, and what is the role of metals?

We live in an era where the word metal no longer refers only to jewelry or coins. Today, metals are the backbone of our civilization. The smartphone in your hand, the electric vehicle on the road, the aircraft that transports us, the defense systems that protect our borders — all of them rely on metals. And Greece — particularly Northern Greece — holds underground wealth that we underestimated for decades.

Allow me today to speak about this wealth. About the opportunities it creates. And about how we can make use of it responsibly, transparently, and with respect for people and place.

What exactly lies beneath Northern Greece?

Gold. Silver. Copper. Lead. Zinc. These are well known.

But there is something even more valuable. Geological studies have identified rare earth elements in Greek territory — such as neodymium and lanthanum — as well as critical metals including nickel, antimony, gallium, germanium and others. Unfamiliar words to many, yet these are precisely the materials Europe needs for technological progress: to manufacture energy storage batteries, wind turbines, satellites and defense equipment.

The European Union has officially identified 34 critical raw materials on its list. Greece appears as a potential producer of several of them. The Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration confirms this.

After a 40-year delay, hydrocarbon exploration is beginning in our country. Yet the new era has another name: Critical Raw Materials.

The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, in force since 2024, sets a clear objective: by 2030, Europe must produce at least 10% of what it consumes within its own borders. Today, we stand at 3%. With production beginning at Skouries Mine in 2026, Greece’s contribution will increase significantly through substantial copper output. Let me also note that global copper demand is expected to rise by approximately 70% by 2035.

So Greece is part of the solution — not a bystander.

And what does mining have to do with geopolitics?

A great deal.

Today, approximately 85% of the critical metals required by global industry are produced by China. This is not simply an economic fact. It is leverage — and China uses it.

The United States, European Union, Canada, and Australia are all racing to secure alternative sources. Competition over critical metals is no science fiction scenario. It is today’s reality.

Macedonia and Thrace lie on the borders of the European Union, in one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical zones. A region with active economic life, industry, and jobs is stronger and more secure. Mining activity does not lose importance — on the contrary, raw materials are becoming even more valuable.

By utilizing our mineral wealth, we are not making only an economic choice. We are also strengthening national resilience.

JOURNALIST: What changes has technology brought to the mining sector compared with the past?

Every person who cares about their place, their environment, their water and their land has the right to ask questions. Such concerns and questions deserve full respect.

Some remember periods when mining was carried out without rules, without restoration, and without consultation. We are not asking anyone to forget that memory. We are asking whether today’s reality is different.

Because it is.

Look at Chalkidiki today — an example worth examining with respect and without prejudice. Mining and tourism coexist side by side. Agriculture, livestock farming and mining activity exist within the same region. This became possible because the local community participated, because concerns were heard, and because answers were given.

This is exactly the path we seek for Thrace — with the same respect for its people.

And something more: mining with Artificial Intelligence, digital monitoring and modern methods has nothing to do with what many imagine from the last century. Twenty-first century mining is science — and that is what we apply.

JOURNALIST: What are the key characteristics of the Perama investment in Evros, and what stage is the process currently at?

The Perama project will produce important metals for both the European and national economy — gold and silver. Its benefits are fully measurable: hundreds of new jobs, strengthening of the local supply chain, substantial state revenues, direct support for the local economy and local authorities, as well as meaningful support for retaining population in the area.

First of all, we have a reliable investor with advanced expertise and decades of international experience: Eldorado Gold. An investor distinguished across every phase of mining activity — exploration, development, production and restoration. A company listed on the stock exchanges of Toronto and New York City.

The Perama Project represents an investment of 430 million US dollars.

We are talking about 700 direct and indirect jobs — stable, well-paid, with long-term prospects.

There are also benefits for the state: 400 million US dollars in revenues. In addition, part of the mining royalties will be allocated to local authorities for infrastructure projects in the area.

Some ask what we will do about the environment.

A fair question — and we have specific, clear and documented answers.

In December 2025, we submitted the Environmental Impact Study to the competent Ministry — an extensive interdisciplinary body of work based on 34 dedicated studies prepared by academic teams from Democritus University of Thrace, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, National Technical University of Athens and other leading institutions in Greece.

The environmental monitoring system does not begin when the mine starts operating. It begins now.

Before the investment starts, we will already have baseline data on soil quality, water quality, air quality, seismic activity, flora and fauna.

We have designed a state-of-the-art digital monitoring system operating 24 hours a day: air quality, surface and groundwater, biodiversity, vibrations, noise, dust — every environmental parameter will be measured.

And this data will be freely available through an open digital platform accessible to every citizen.

In this process, the local community will not simply observe. Local institutions and citizens of Thrace will have an active and participatory role in environmental monitoring itself.

What does environmental protection mean in practice for us?

It means that the investment has been designed from the outset according to Best Available Techniques, as defined by European legislation.

Specifically:

Water is recycled at rates approaching 90%.

Not a single drop will be taken from water resources used locally for drinking water or irrigation.

The dry-stack tailings method minimizes environmental footprint. We must leave behind the image of tailings ponds.

Backfilling methods minimize impacts on land, while restoration begins in parallel with the start of mining operations.

And when the project is completed: full restoration, reforestation, revegetation — and final return of the land to the local community.

At the same time, transparency for us is not merely a word, but a daily practice.

How do we make transparency tangible?

A decisive step is the operation of three modern Information Centers at key locations in the region: Alexandroupoli, Komotini and Sapes.

Through these open information hubs — digitally and through our physical presence — every citizen in Evros and Rhodope gains direct and free access to all scientific project data and operational methods.

At the same time, our relationship with the region is built daily through our tangible social footprint.

In this context, we create and support infrastructure and institutions in healthcare, education, civil protection and social welfare.

What comes next?

The next step is the public consultation of the Environmental Impact Study.

We actively seek public scrutiny.

Our objective is documented evaluation of the project by ensuring full access for every interested party to technical and environmental specifications.

For us, public consultation is not an approval procedure.

It is a process of trust.

And it is a process we genuinely want.

Does Greece need investments like this?

My answer is clear:

The Recovery Fund is not an endless source of financing. European funding has an expiration date.

Without investments that create real jobs and real value, regional Greece will face serious challenges.

Mining creates development and jobs that do not depend on seasonality. They do not depend on summer. They exist all year round.

And mining excludes nothing else — neither tourism, nor agriculture, nor livestock farming.

Ladies and Gentlemen, in closing, I would like to stress this:

There is no investment against society. There is only investment together with society.

The Perama Project represents a long-term strategic partnership with Evros and Rhodope.

Let us move forward through institutional procedures, assess the data, and together build sustainable development for the Thrace of tomorrow.

Thank you very much.

In a small but meaningful gathering, the General Manager and employees of Thracean Mining bid farewell to the company’s former Communications Lead, Thanasis Tsolakis.

Thanasis Tsolakis departed from Thracean Mining leaving behind a very positive mark, having actively participated in the re-establishment of the company since October 2025. At this stage, he decided to pursue active journalism, taking on an executive position within a media organization in Alexandroupolis.

Mr. Bakouras thanked Thanasis Tsolakis for his contribution to the company, presenting him with an honorary plaque. In his remarks, he noted:

“Thanasis, thank you for your contribution to the company and the project, for the paths you opened in Thrace, and for the collaborations we built with the region’s media outlets and beyond.”

expressing his appreciation for his work and contribution.

The departing associate of Thracean Mining also expressed his gratitude to Mr. Bakouras — and through him to Eldorado Gold — as well as to his colleagues for their cooperation, emphasizing:

“Thank you very much for the collaboration throughout this entire period. Thank you for everything I learned while working at Thracean Mining and Eldorado. I remain a steadfast supporter of the Perama Project, recognizing both the need for its implementation and its contribution to the development of my homeland.”