The key facts
- The deposit near Zlaté Hory is estimated at 11 tonnes of gold, with about 6.2 tonnes extractable over ten years.
- Besides gold, the ore contains copper (265 tonnes) and zinc (1,556 tonnes) when processing 200,000 tonnes of ore per year.
- The project could create about 120 jobs, but requires further research and an environmental assessment; no mining decision has been made.
A new gold deposit discovered
A deposit has been discovered in the area of the Czech town of Zlaté Hory, with geological reserves estimated at 11 tonnes of gold. According to preliminary calculations by the state enterprise DIAMO, presented in an information brochure, about 6.2 tonnes of metal could be extracted from the ore over ten years.
Copper, zinc and possible gallium
Besides gold, the deposit contains copper and zinc. With the assumed processing of 200,000 tonnes of ore per year, the extraction volume could amount to 265 tonnes of copper and 1,556 tonnes of zinc. Specialists are also studying the presence of gallium.
Timeline and economic effect
The estimated duration of mining is ten years, but this period is not final. The project model covers 15 years: three years of preparation, ten years of development, and two years for completing operations and restoring the territory. Further exploration may confirm additional reserves and extend the mine's operating life. Implementation of the project could provide about 120 jobs. Annual revenues for the budget of Zlaté Hory are preliminarily estimated at 8.37 million korunas, and for the neighbouring municipality of Hermanovice at 2.88 million korunas. The economic model also considers the possibility of additional investments in the region's development, but their size and purpose have not yet been determined.
Mining is premature for now
It is premature to move to mining: DIAMO must conduct more detailed research, continue geological exploration, and assess the project's environmental impact. Specialists must check possible consequences for water resources, noise and dust levels, transport load, and the safety of blasting operations. In particular, it is necessary to take into account the EDEL sanatorium, located approximately 2.5 km from the presumed blasting site, where speleotherapy is performed.
No decision has been made
The current study showed that the deposit is worth studying further, but it does not mean approval of construction or the start of mining. After additional surveys, an environmental assessment, territorial planning, and the necessary permits will be required. No final decision on developing the deposit has been made yet.
