Shortly after midnight on Sunday, February 17, a masked and armed group of approximately 50 persons illegally entered Eldorado Gold’s Skouries project in the Municipality of Aristotle, Halkidiki, Greece. The armed attackers assaulted two security personnel. One sustained injuries which required hospitalisation and has subsequently been released. The group then set fire to temporary construction offices as well as several trucks and heavy equipment, most of which are owned by local contractors. The fires have been extinguished and the site secured. The company is co-operating with the police and other relevant authorities to ensure the ongoing safety of employees and assets. This is a particularly idiotic attack as the project offers employment and revenues in a country desparate to turn round its dire economic situation brought about by endemic abuse of tax laws and corruption.

“While we respect the right of individuals to voice their opinions in a safe, legal and responsible manner we fully condemn any activities that put the safety of our employees, contractors and assets at risk,” stated Paul Wright, Chief Executive Officer of Eldorado Gold Corp. “The company is in possession of all permits required to operate legally at its projects in Halkidiki. These projects are licensed under an Environmental Impact Assessment which consisted of an exhaustive technical review as well as comprehensive public consultations. In Halkidiki, as in all our mining operations throughout the world, we operate to the highest environmental standards complying with all local, national and international laws and regulations”.