GÜMÜŞTAŞ MADENCİLİK
The foundations of Gümüştaş Mining were laid in 1982. A pioneer of Turkish private mining industry with its share in overall production and exports, Gümüştaş achieved its current shareholding structure as a result of the partnership agreement signed between Necati Kurmel, one of Turkey’s most prominent entrepreneurs, and Aydın Doğan.
In addition to its existing lead-zinc underground mining and flotation plant in Gümüşhane, in 2007, Gümüştaş, as a prominent producer of base metal and precious metal in Turkey, acquired the Niğde Bolkar gold-silver mine, one of the most important mine sites in the country. Subsequently, the company established a gold-silver enrichment plant in Niğde Tepeköy to expand the scope of its mining activities
The company expanded its mining activities in 2011 by acquiring 50% stake in the polymetallic underground mining operation of Ekin Madencilik, which is adjacent to the Niğde Bolkar gold-silver mine site. Gümüştaş has also developed an underground sulfide project in Niğde Bolkar, and continues its exploration activities in Gümüşhane Kırkpavli and Artvin Yusufeli. The company also conducts exploration works in various potential mine sites across Turkey.
Gümüştaş has a lead, zinc, copper flotation plant in Gümüşhane with an ore processing capacity of 2,400 tonnes/day. In addition, the company has a lead, zinc and pyrite flotation plant with an ore processing capacity of 400 tonnes/day, as well as a gold and silver enrichment plant with an ore processing capacity of 400 tonnes/day, both in Niğde Tepeköy.
Gümüştaş decided to invest in a new flotation plant in Niğde Bolkar, which is projected to commence operation in 2023 with an annual ore processing capacity of 840,000 tonnes. The company aims to obtain the 1 million tonnes of run-of-mine ore required by this plant by engaging in deep underground mining in the Bolkar sulfide zone.
Gümüştaş focuses its investments on priority development zones, where it currently employs over 1,000 miners. The company makes a significant contribution to national economy with its ever-growing exports. In 2020, Gümüştaş ranked 16th in the mining industry in terms of export volume, as well as taking third place in Eastern Black Sea Exporters’ Association and first place in Gümüşhane. The leading export markets of Gümüştaş are Belgium, China, South Korea, Spain, Japan, Mexico and Namibia.
Gümüştaş has attracted wide attention with its rapidly developed projects and new investments, and the company’s operations are guided by a save and sustainable production and governance approach focusing on modern technologies, compliance with local and global standards, and respect for people and the environment. In addition to mining and facility operations, the highly competent team of Gümüştaş engages in analysis and R&D efforts in line with international standards at the company’s fully equipped laboratories.
The company’s in-house laboratories perform a broad range of comprehensive studies, from analysis and microscopic examinations of various metals to flotation, leaching and density tests. As of 2019, the analysis laboratory in Gümüşhane has “TS EN ISO/IEC 17025” Testing and Calibration Accreditation for 7 elements.
Milestones
1982
Gümüştaş Mining is established.
2005
Gümüştaş Mining achieved its current shareholding structure.
2007
The gold and silver mine in Niğde Bolkar becomes operational.
2008
Mining operations commence in Gümüşhane Hazine Mağara.
2010
Mining operations commence in Niğde Bolkar Oxide.
2011
Gümüştaş acquires 50% stake in Esen Mining’s gold and silver mine.
2012
Niğde Tepeköy Enrichment Plant becomes operational.
2016
Annual ore production capacity of Gümüşhane Hazine Mağara Mine reaches 500,000 tonnes.
2017
Niğde Bolkar sulfide exploration Project launched.
2019
Gümüşhane analysis lab is granted “TS EN ISO/IEC 17025” Testing and Calibration Accreditation.
2020
Niğde Bolkar sulfide concept study begins and first international JORC code-compatible resource report is published.
Gümüşhane Kırkpavli polymetallic site completes the first international JORC code-compatible resource report.
The company acquires a polymetallic mine site in Artvin Yusufeli.
2021
Bolkar sulfide PFS study, which includes resource updates in accordance with NI43-101 and JORC codes, is commenced.
An investment decision is made for a new flotation plant with an annual capacity of 840,000 tonnes.
A detailed exploration project is commenced in Gümüşhane Kırkpavli.
A exploration project is commenced in Artvin Yusufeli.
