Greece will launch an international tender for exploitation of the copper and gold deposit in the region of Vathy, Kilkis prefecture, in the first half of December.
Deputy Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister Yiannis Maniatis made the announcement this week in Athens, in an address to “Energy and Development” conference organised by the Institute of Energy for South East Europe (IENE).
According to estimates, the deposit is valued at between 1.5 and 7bn euros, while a neighbouring deposit in the area of Pontokerasia, which is currently being explored, is valued at another 4bn euros. Maniatis also said that a decision on which lignite-powered units – currently operated by the Public Power Corporation (DEI) – will be sold via an international tender will be announced in the coming days.
He added that the government also sees as priority the issue of hydrocarbon exploration in four areas: the Ionian Sea, the sea region south of the island of Crete, the Gulf of Patras, Katakolo and Ioannina. The privatisation of DEI, the Public Gas Corporation (DEPA) and Hellenic Refineries (ELPE) were also on the government’s agenda, as was the promotion of Project Helios for the production and export of electricity from photovoltaics.
Source: Athens News
