Overview -
The Chelopech copper-gold mine is located in central-western Bulgaria 80 kilometres east of Sofia on the southern flank of the Balkan Ranges, adjacent to the towns of Zlatitsa and Pirdop at a latitude of 42° 39. and longitude of 24° 05. The deposit lies in the northern part of the Panagyurishte mining district where a number of cupriferous massive sulphide and porphyry copper deposits exist.
Since acquiring the mine in 2003, the owners, Dundee Precious Metals have increased productivity at the mine and in 2006 produced a record 70,108 tonnes of concentrate in 2006, containing 70,781 gold ounces and 25.4 million pounds of copper.
Activities are nearly complete for a planned expansion of the mine and processing facilities. The mine will ramp up to a nominal production rate of 2 million tonnes per year and a metals production facility will be constructed to process the concentrate which is currently sent to third party smelters. The majoprity of metal production will consist of gold dore and LME grade copper. When upgrades are complete it is expected that the mine will employ at least 700 people.
