MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES FATİH DÖNMEZ VISITED THE MINE SITE IN SÖĞÜT

Minister Fatih Dönmez, who came to Söğüt after the provincial congress he attended in Bilecik, visited the Ertuğrul Gazi Tomb here. Afterwards, Fatih Dönmez, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, made examinations in the area with a gold reserve of 1.92 million ounces, and emphasized the importance of the found reserve. Minister Dönmez looked at the samples taken from the gold field here.

“WE AIM TO PRODUCE 100 TONS OF GOLD PER YEAR”

Pointing out that 42 tons of gold was produced this year, Minister Dönmez said, “In the last 5 years, approximately 400 tons of producible gold reserves have been discovered by the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) and private sector. As you know, these are available in the places where we take production with the private sector. Last year we broke a record in gold production. 42 tons. We now express our gold production in tons, which was on the order of a few kilograms 20 years ago. Our goal is to reach 100 tons in 5 years. Thus, we want to be among the 10 countries in the world that produce more than 100 tons gold. Last year, we contributed 2 and a half billion dollars to the economy with 42 tons of gold production. We employ 13 thousand people in this sector. The point we especially focus on is that you will do it in accordance with the mining rules. If we do these businesses in a way that respects both the environment and our surrounding buildings, we will make the necessary contribution to the economy.”

“WE WILL PRODUCE THE FIRST GOLD IN SÖĞÜT LATEST IN 2023”

Dönmez reminded the journalists that there is a very important reserve in the region, in the field belonging to Gübretaş, where a gold source was detected in the Söğüt district of Bilecik.

“As for the Söğüt Gold Mine Project, this field we are in now belongs to Gübretaş, a farmer organization. Hopefully, by the end of 2022, we will realize the first gold production from this field in 2023 at the latest. It is planned as both open and underground operation. 1.92 million ounces of it is in reserve. So, it is producible. While 60-65 tons is certain, we are talking about a potential that could increase to 100 tons with additional discoveries. It will be extremely modern. It is planned to operate respectfully and in accordance with environmental rules. Turkey is no longer what it used to be. We are a country with truly exemplary facilities in the world in gold mining. Here, too, we will experience the joy of adding this economic reserve to our nation, especially the local people, as soon as possible. This company will employ between 800 and 1,000 people. Söğüt is not far from mining sector. I know that there are quality marble quarries. I hope gold mining will also be revived here. Hopefully, we will experience the joy of adding this economic reserve to our nation, especially to the local people, as soon as possible.”

Dönmez then took information from the authorities by making examinations in the field with his companions.