Hellas Gold SA, part of Eldorado Gold, has become the first mining company in Greece to deploy Immersive Technologies’ simulation-based training, marking the 47th country where Immersive Technologies’ workforce training systems have been deployed. Immersive Technologies says it is known for providing a rapid return on investment with a proven formula that combines ‘People + Process + Technology.’ The simulation-based training solution is being used at Olympias gold-silver-lead-zinc mine, located in the Halkidiki Peninsula in northern Greece.
Olympias is expected to mine over 475,000 t of ore in 2022 at an average grade of 7.4 g/t gold, 119 g/t silver, 4% lead and 4% zinc. Forecast 2022 ore processed includes processing of old Olympias tailings which will be processed at the Stratoni plant. Payable production is expected to be 65,000 to 75,000 oz of gold, 1.4 million to 1.5 million oz of silver, 12,000 to 15,000 t of lead metal and 12,000 to 15,000 t of zinc metal.
Olympias has been modernising under the management of Eldorado Gold and its subsidiary, Hellas Gold SA. This strategy and adoption of new technologies has already improved production rates and efficiency during 2021. The implementation of Two Immersive Technologies’ IM360-B Advanced Equipment Simulators and blended learning products will help to improve operator performance and safety and enhance workforce development strategies. To develop a highly skilled and dedicated workforce for the underground operation, the company has purchased simulator Conversion Kits for Sandvik LHDs, underground trucks, drills and bolters. In addition, Professional Services from Immersive Technologies are in place to support the implementation of simulation products. “It is an exciting time for mining in Greece. We are proud to support this region in delivering the safest and most experienced operators, resulting in a highly productive mine site,” says Johan Stemmet, Regional Vice President – EMEA & CIS at Immersive Technologies.
Forecast 2022 sustaining capital expenditures of $34 to $39 million at Olympias include underground mine development and improvement projects, diamond drilling, mobile equipment rebuilds, and the second phase of the Kokkinolakas tailings management facility construction. This includes underground exploration drilling testing three step-out targets adjacent to existing mine development.
