Name of the Project
Çöpler sulphide expansion project.

Location
Turkey.

Client
Alacer Gold (80%).

Project Description
The Çöpler mine has been operating since 2010, processing oxide ore through a heap-leach operation. The oxide ore is progressively being exhausted and the mine is shifting to processing sulphide ore using pressure oxidation.

The project will entail the introduction of a whole-ore pressure oxidation (POX) circuit that will extend the mine life and boost current resources and reserves. The POX facility is expected to process sulphide ore at 5 000 t/d and will result in a 20-year mine life for the project. Gold recovery for the sulphide plant is expected to average 96% over the life of the mine.

Twin horizontal enclaves will allow for incremental improvements to increase the throughput rate by 2.2-million tonnes a year by 2021.

Over the remaining project life, the Çöpler mine is expected to produce about four-million ounces of gold.

This project is expected to expand the operation’s mine life to 2037.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has an after-tax net present value, at a 5% discount rate, of $728-million and will provide an after-tax internal rate of return of 19.2%, with a payback of less than three years from the start of sulphide gold production.

Value
Capital expenditure is estimated at $744-million.

Duration
First gold pour is expected in the third quarter of 2018 and the plant will achieve initial design capacity of 1.9-million tonnes a year throughput rate by the end of 2019.

Latest Developments
Alacer Gold has started processing oxide ore through the crushing and grinding circuit of the newly constructed Çöpler sulphide plant.

The remainder of the plant, including the acidulation, pressure oxidation and counter-current decantation, will be started once the sulphide circuit is complete and the oxide circuit is fully operational and stabilised.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Carpenteria Corsi (autoclaves).

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
Alacer Gold, tel +1 303 292 1299, fax +1 303 297 0538 or email info@alacergold.com.