SETTING the bar high

As the first mine in Turkey to introduce a fleet management and mine control system, Çayeli Bakır is leading the sector with investments in technology and sustainability.

What is your operational and business plan leading up to 2022, when Çayeli Bakır’s reserves are predicted to be depleted?

The ore is currently depleting, and as it depletes, we are back filling the mine at a rate of around 20,000 tons of backfill a week. This process goes on 24 hours a day, as we aim to replace the extracted ore with backfill soon after the production. Once the mine is completely depleted by 2022, we will have to look at the service facilities. Turkish mining laws say we need to return the mine site to as it was before the mine started operation. Beyond that, we want to do something more and leave a legacy if we can. The mine has been in production for 25 years, and we plan to generate socioeconomic benefits for the environment and local communities. We do not want to leave a gap once the mine closes down. We have plans to do something that would bring some income to the community once we leave. Quantum Minerals, which owns Çayeli Bakır, is actively looking for opportunities all over the world. The plan is to find a project that can be beneficial for the company and operate it once the mine goes offline.

What are your primary objectives over the next 12 months?

We want to deliver budgeted revenue numbers and give return to our shareholders. In order to do so, we need to set targets and achieve them. Our target for 2019 and 2020 is achieving higher safety standards. Our second target is to acquire the right tones and grade from the underground. We also aim to reduce the operating costs of the mill. ✖

“We use the rainwater for our processing needs and ensure that no water is discharged to the environment.”