Specialists from Avellana Gold visited one of the largest underground copper-gold mines in Central and Eastern Europe as part of a working visit to mining operations in the Chelopech and Laki regions of the Republic of Bulgaria.

The Chelopech Mine, with an ore processing capacity exceeding 2 million tonnes per year, is the flagship operation of the international publicly listed mining company Dundee Precious Metals Inc. (DPM).

The visit, which took place on May 12–15, served as a platform for a professional exchange of expertise in applying cutting-edge approaches to underground mining of polymetallic ores, the use of high-performance equipment, and the implementation of innovative solutions in the mining industry, as well as for the synchronization of production processes with the international standards of leading companies in the sector.

Avellana Gold specialists shared their own experience in applying modern engineering and environmental solutions, including Ukraine’s first implementation of dry stack tailings technology, as well as approaches to the reuse of mined-out rock mass and the creation of by-products for other industrial sectors.

In turn, Bulgarian colleagues presented Avellana Gold representatives with advanced technological solutions that ensure operational efficiency and underground safety, including mining methods, ore body extraction schemes, drilling and blasting operations, ore haulage systems, and ground support practices. Particular attention was paid to modern underground mining methods, including backfilling systems and the use of high-performance trackless underground equipment.

The delegation also showed significant interest in automation tools, maintenance management systems, and real-time digital monitoring technologies for machinery and equipment.

An important part of the professional exchange focused on occupational health and safety, industrial safety, and environmental monitoring, including production risk management practices, underground access control systems, and personnel safety training procedures.

The technological solutions demonstrated in Bulgaria confirm that the future of the mining industry is being shaped by automation, robotics, and enhanced worker safety.

Avellana Gold consistently develops international cooperation, continues active exchange of experience with leading industry players, and systematically studies modern technological solutions for the modernization of its production facilities, operating in accordance with the best international standards.

The knowledge and practical experience gained during the visit will serve as a foundation for the further adaptation of global best practices and their integration into Avellana Gold’s current and future projects.

Background Information

Dundee Precious Metals Inc. (DPM) is an international publicly listed mining company specializing in the extraction of gold, copper, and silver. The Chelopech Mine is DPM’s key asset in Bulgaria and one of the region’s most technologically advanced mining operations. The mine has implemented digital management systems, underground Wi-Fi coverage, and autonomous drones for underground monitoring. The projected ore processing volume at Chelopech exceeds 2 million tonnes annually. In 2025, DPM invested $10.8 million in exploration activities at the Chelopech operation. The company’s total workforce exceeds 2,000 employees. DPM continues to demonstrate stable financial performance and growing operational efficiency.