FROM EXPLORATION TO REHABILITATION – THE GOLDEN LEGACY

Millions of years ago, a rain of meteorites supposedly brought gold to Earth. Some of the deposits settled in what is now the Rhodope mountain range, around Krumovgrad. A couple of millennia ago, the Rhodope's ancient inhabitants found gold and started digging… In modern times, the remains were further explored to breathe new life into an ancient trade forgotten for centuries. DPM Krumovgrad started investing in a place called by locals Ada Tepe, or Golden Island. It found a promising gold deposit and, following a bumpy road, in 2019 opened the first mine in Bulgaria for over 40 years. Ada Tepe Mine created hundreds of jobs for locals in a region known for its struggling economy.

Following an eight-year life, the pit operations ceased in April and DPM Krumovgrad started restoring the environment, continuing to contribute to the local economy and community.

Irena Tsakova, GM of DPM Krumovgrad, knows all about this. She holds master's degrees in chemical engineering and in environmental monitoring, control and health. Through her work in the Environmental Protection department at the Kremikovtsi metallurgical plant, she gained deep insights into the specifics of mineral extraction and processing. She began working at the Chelopech mine in 1999, continuing to develop professionally over the years and rising to the position of Health, Safety, Environment and Public Relations Director.

In 2013, she was promoted to Operations Director, responsible for the planning, permitting, and development of the Krumovgrad gold deposit, ensuring compliance and dealing with institutions and public affairs. While in this position, in 2015, she was recognised as one of the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining by industry leader Mines and Money, the largest international mining investment forum. Between 2018 and 2024, she was the Director of Permitting and Legal for both of DPM's subsidiaries in Bulgaria. In April 2024, she assumed the role of GM of Ada Tepe for DPM Krumovgrad.

How did a modest archaeological site such as Ada Tepe become an active modern mine?

The history of Ada Tepe near Krumovgrad is an example of how deep respect for the past can go hand in hand with modern development. Known as the Golden Island, this hill in the Rhodope was home to the oldest known gold mine in Europe. We have evidence of mining dating back to the mid-2nd millennium BC – the era of Mycenae and Troy. Today, thanks to our activities, the history of ancient mining has been preserved and is displayed in the Gold Museum in Krumovgrad.

Gold Museum, Krumovgrad

The transition from an archaeological site to a modern mine began with systematic scientific research. As early as 2001, studies of the sanctuary that was located above the ancient mine started under the leadership of Associate Professor Georgi Nehrizov. Purposeful investigations into the traces of ancient gold mining began in 2005. Supported by major financial assistance from DPM Krumovgrad and in partnership with the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, these studies revealed a complete picture of life 3,500 years ago – including mining, metallurgy, a settlement and religious practices.

The team, led by Associate Professor Hristo Popov, PhD, turned Ada Tepe into one of the best-studied archaeological sites in Bulgaria. The accumulated scientific data not only proved the significance of the site in antiquity but also created a solid foundation for its sustainable development.

With respect for cultural and historical heritage, DPM Krumovgrad integrated archaeology into the modern mining project. The implementation of the Ada Tepe mine became a leading and innovative example of combining industrial activity with scientific research and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The project not only revived gold mining after millennia, but also popularised the history of the region through significant initiatives – such as international exhibitions like the one in Vienna in 2017, which was visited by over 100,000 people. In 2022, we created the Gold Museum in Krumovgrad. It traces the development of mining from antiquity to the present day.

Thus, Ada Tepe has been transformed from an archaeological site into living proof of the continuity between ancient knowledge and modern technology – an example of how the past can be a driver of sustainable development in the present.

How did the Ada Tepe mine and processing plant change the economic landscape of the Krumovgrad region?

Ada Tepe is an open-pit mine for the extraction of gold-bearing ore. Located 3 km south of Krumovgrad, it is the first modern, newly developed mine in Bulgaria in the last 40 years. Ore mining and processing began in August 2019. At the end of 2026, operations of the processing facility will also cease, followed by the closure and reclamation of the site so that the area can be returned to nature.

The work of the DPM mine and processing plant in Krumovgrad not only created economic activity related to an entirely new sector such as ore mining and processing, but also became a driver of the overall improvement of the quality of life in the region. Through a sustainable partnership with the municipality and the local community, and under a Memorandum of Understanding, DPM Krumovgrad directed significant investments towards important social projects that have a long-term impact on the people.

The company consistently supports key public areas such as healthcare, infrastructure, education and social services. The renovation and equipping of the municipal hospital, the recruitment of medical specialists and the funding of healthcare initiatives improved access to quality medical care. In the field of education, lunches and transport are provided for students, school and extracurricular projects are supported, and investments are made in a better learning environment.

A significant contribution has also been made to the social sphere – a number of services for vulnerable groups are co-funded, religious institutions are supported through repair and maintenance, and numerous cultural and folklore events that preserve local identity and traditions are backed.

Investments in infrastructure – roads, public buildings and tourist sites – as well as the creation of the Gold Museum and the development of tourism potential complement the positive transformation. The total volume of funds invested in social and infrastructure projects exceeds 27 million leva, or about 14 million euros, with their effect being felt directly throughout the entire community.

As a result, Krumovgrad is establishing itself as a better-developed, socially responsible and promising region where business and society work together for a sustainable future.

Gold Museum, Krumovgrad

What were the social impacts of launching the operations?

The social impact is also very important to us. The mine provided jobs for 310 people, with 98% of them being residents of Krumovgrad municipality. The average age of the employees is 41. Additionally, over 1,000 jobs were indirectly created in the region.

Of particular importance is the fund for the development of micro, small and medium-sized businesses unrelated to mining, created jointly with the municipality. This initiative guarantees employment and entrepreneurship opportunities even after the end of gold mining, laying the foundation for a sustainable local economy. Within the framework of the fund, 89 projects have been supported and 173 new jobs have been created outside of gold mining.

From the very beginning, people knew that Ada Tepe was a project with a limited lifespan. Now, some of the employees will continue their development in other companies of DPM Metals, while others will move towards local businesses or their own initiatives. It was precisely with this vision that we created the Fund for the Support of Micro, Small and Medium Business.

What does the mine look like today, at the end of its lifespan – in terms of ore mined, gold-bearing concentrate produced and other interesting statistics?

During its eight years of operation, the mine established itself as one of the most successful new mining projects in Bulgaria. In 2019-2025, 5.48 million tonnes of ore were mined. Nearly 46.9 thousand tonnes of gold-bearing concentrate were produced.

In addition to the strong production results, the project also made a significant economic contribution to the region and the country. DPM Krumovgrad invested over $164 million in the exploration, development and construction of the mine, and during its operation, 142 million leva, or 73 million euros, were paid in concession fees. Another 180 million leva, or 92 million euros, in other payments also entered the state coffers.

We also stimulated Bulgarian emigrants to return to their homeland. Fifty people returned from abroad to work and grow with us. During the operational period, we trained 146 interns as well.

How did DPM Metals create an environmentally responsible production at the Ada Tepe mine?

The Eastern Rhodope are home to a wide variety of animals and plants. We protect two species of land tortoise that are globally threatened with extinction – the Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni Gmelin, 1789) and the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca Linnaeus, 1758). There are 2,956 permanently marked land tortoises from both species that are tracked and monitored annually. We also monitor the yellow-bellied toad and the Jersey tiger moth.

The opening of the mine and the conscious need to protect the environment marked the beginning of a protection and conservation programme for endangered tortoise species, which has been recognised and included in the European Commission's list of good practices.

Sustainable development is a fundamental principle that DPM Krumovgrad follows in every decision. From the first geological surveys to the final stage of closure and reclamation, the company approaches its work with the environment, local communities and the future in mind.

In addition, special care is taken to preserve the purity of water. Water is used and recycled. A water treatment plant was built so that, in the event of a need to discharge water into nature, its quality would be equal to water fit for drinking purposes. Over the entire period of operation, we have had to discharge water only once due to torrential rainfall.

Last production blast, 16 April 2026

What will the mine look like after the end of active mining?

After the completion of mining, the Ada Tepe site will undergo technical and biological reclamation with the aim of maximum restoration of the area and returning it to nature. Reclamation activities at the mine have already begun. The project involves afforestation with native plant species, long-term environmental monitoring and the transformation of part of the territory into zones for tourism, sports and recreation.

Following the completion of the reclamation, DPM Krumovgrad will donate the land to Krumovgrad municipality along with the built infrastructure, so that the site can continue to create opportunities for development, including tourism, even after the end of gold mining.

What are the goals of the reclamation programme?

We aim to restore Ada Tepe mine site safely and responsibly, transforming the land for future sustainable uses that create long-term value for local communities and nature – so we can grow and thrive together.

Progressive reclamation has been carried out at the Ada Tepe mine since 2019, starting alongside mining and processing activities – disturbed land is being restored and afforested with native plant species. Production activities at the mine concluded in April 2026.

Vegetation native to the Natura 2000 zone – oak and pine plants – is developing on the lands restored during the eight years of operation.

After the active reclamation is completed in 2028, passive care is planned to allow the plants to stabilise. A ten-year monitoring period is scheduled following the conclusion of the passive reclamation of the site.

Krumovgrad, 1 Hristo Botev St
pr@dpmmetals.com
www.dpmmetals-adatepe.com