Minister Donmez said, “We now express the production of gold, which was a few kilograms 20 years ago, in tons. Our goal is to reach an annual production of 100 tons in 5 years and to be among 10 countries that produce more than 100 tons in the world.”
Fatih Donmez, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, reminded the journalists that there is a very important reserve in the area belonging to Gubretas, whose gold source was detected in Bilecik’s Sogut district.
Donmez stated that especially in the last 5 years, approximately 400 tons of gold reserves were discovered by the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) and by the private sector.
Emphasizing that Turkey’s last year broke a record in gold production with a figure of 42 tons, Donmez continued as follows:
“We are expressing the gold production, which was a few kilograms of gold 20 years ago, in tons now. Our goal is to reach an annual production of 100 tons within 5 years and thus become one of the 10 countries in the world producing more than 100 tons. Last year, we had another record that we can say with much joy; An important record was broken in gold imports, with almost $25 billion worth of gold imports. “
“First gold production in 2023 at the latest”
Donmez stated that thanks to the craftsmen, raw gold was processed and exported to the world from Turkey and that last year, approximately $2.5 billion was contributed to the economy with 42 tons of gold production.
Giving information about the gold source found in Sogut, Donmez said:
“Hopefully, by the end of 2022, we will realize the first gold production from this field in 2023 at the latest. It will be both an open pit enterprise and an underground enterprise. There is a producible reserve of 1.92 million ounces here. In other words, we are talking about a potential that can reach up to 100 tons with these additional discoveries and drillings, although 60-65 tons is certain. Extremely modern, environmentally friendly, and respectful management is planned. 800-1000 people are directly employed in the business. Turkey is no longer the same as it used to be, it is a country that has exemplary businesses in the gold mining business. Hopefully, we will experience the joy of adding this economic reserve to our nation, especially to the local people, here as soon as possible.”
Donmez, afterwards, made observations in the field with the Minister of Youth and Sports Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoglu and his entourage and received information from the authorities
Source: AA / Translated by Irem Yildiz