| Ownership | 100% |
| Type | Underground copper-gold mine |
| Mine Life | 2032 |
| Proven & Probable Mineral Reserve Estimates | 1.6 million gold ounces 305 million pounds of copper |
| 2023 Production | 161,872 |
| 2024 Production Guidance | 155,000 - 175,000 ounces of gold 29 to 34 million pounds of copper |
| 2024 guidance for All-In Sustaining Cost | $650 - $790 per ounce of gold sold |
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Chelopech is an underground copper-gold mine located in Bulgaria, approximately 75 kilometres east of the capital city of Sofia. Since acquiring the operation in 2003, DPM has transformed Chelopech into a world-class operation with leading operational and environmental performance.
Underground mining method consists of using sub-level long-hole open stoping with paste fill. Ore is crushed underground and transported to the surface using conveyors. Chelopech produces copper-gold and pyrite-gold concentrates that are shipped to global smelters for processing.
A multi-year capital investment program transformed Chelopech into a high quality, modern operation with strong production and low costs. Chelopech today has a solid track record of meeting or exceeding international standards for worker safety, environmental protection and sustainable development.
Chelopech is a leader in digital innovation, achieving significant improvements in efficiency, environmental performance and worker safety. The mine has 100% reliable underground Wi-Fi coverage at 600 metres below ground level, and, in 2019, commissioned the industry’s first deep-learning autonomous drone working in an underground environment.
Chelopech’s long mine life extends to 2032, based on current mineral reserve estimates, with a strong mineral resource base.
There is strong potential to continue extending the mine’s life, with our demonstrated track record of converting mineral resources into mineral reserves, and our in-mine and growing brownfield exploration programs.
One of the lowest greenhouse gas emissions intensity rates among gold mines globally
Zero discharge of industrial wastewater for the past two years
Named largest corporate donor in Bulgaria for six years in a row
Nearby municipality has the highest average salaries in Bulgaria
70% reduction in fresh water used per tonne of ore processed
Nearly 60 tonne reduction in annual dust emissions
For more information on upcoming or ongoing projects or initiatives at Chelopech:
