Responsible mining activity: The case of Greek Gold and the benefits for Aristotle Municipality

® Greek golden beach “first sandy beach” in Olympiad Halkidiki, with the wall of Ancient Stagira background The notion that mining activity can function as a brake on the balanced development of an area, tends to break down both its case and its inextricable relationship with the Municipality of Aristotle, is an eloquent example in this direction. By adopting the principles of responsible mining activity, the company has emerged as a major development pillar for the entire Municipality. In 2023 alone, it implemented an extensive Social Responsibility programme, which lists 146 projects and actions, totalling EUR 1.73 million, covering a number of areas of everyday life. In addition, Aristotle Municipality benefits financially from the increased mining fees it receives. In 2023, he collected 3.5m euros , thanks to the exclusive activity of Greek Gold within its limits. With the beginning of the commercial operation of the Skouries Mine and the rise in productivity of the Olympiad Mine, the proceeds from mining fees are expected to increase, as they are calculated on the basis of the value of the sold metals. Supporting social well-being In particular, within 2023, the company, in order to protect public health and improve the quality of life of the citizens of the Municipality, implemented a multitude of actions of a total value of more than EUR 226,000 , such as the donation of 600 buckets of waste to the Municipality, the coverage of the cost of the study of the extension of the Arnaia “Love” nursing home , the donation of equipment to the Paleochori Health Center and the supply of drinking water treatment filters for the local community of Pyrgadikia. Creation of new development opportunities At the same time, the company financed studies and infrastructure projects of EUR 350,000 in order to strengthen social cohesion and promote the cultural heritage of the Municipality. For example, studies on the renovation of the “Alexi Zorba” building in the Paleochori community were completed, a historic monument that will be transformed into a modern cultural centre, as well as the construction of a footbridge at Aristotle Park in the Stageira community that will be a reference point for the area and will provide safe and comfortable access to visitors. In addition, progress is being made in the location study of the diving park in the hippocampas colony and in the reef of Brostomnica Stratoni with the aim of highlighting the unique beauty of the marine environment and stimulating alternative tourism. In addition, the company implemented infrastructure projects that facilitate the everyday life of citizens, such as the restoration of the road network on the 1st km road from Neohori to Olympiad, the asphalting of two roads of the Great Panagia Community and the opening of rural roads. Investing in the future of the new generation As a stable supporter of the new generation, Greek Gold implemented a rich program of actions in the field of education, which exceeds 300,000 euros, such as the continuation of the robotics & STEM programme in collaboration with Eduact for 6 the consecutive year, the scholarship to Anatolia College, as well as the repair work at the buildings of the schools of Aristotle Municipality. Moreover, the company funded the construction and operation of the 2nd children’s station in Jericho ®Greek gold Educational Robotic & STEM ® Greek Gold Sustainable development in harmony with the environment Supporting environmental protection and adaptation to climate change, the company implemented a number of actions with a total cost of more than 165,000 euros , such as the donation to the State Aid Account of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection and the cleaning of the beaches of Aristotle Municipality before the start of the tourist season. In addition, he supported the Thessaloniki Air Club for the aerial surveillance of the forests of the region for another year, while taking over the collection of massive objects (details) from the municipalities of Aristotle Municipality to avoid fire or pollution risk and completed the placement of railings in the Argiros stream (engineer square area) in Stratoni. ® Greek gold “Arco Aristotle” in Stagira Halkidiki Transparency and accountability Greek Gold adopts a global approach to communication with its social partners based on transparency and frank dialogue. In this direction, in 2023, he inaugurated the new, permanent Public Information Centre in Paleochori, creating an information and open communication hub, while in order to inform and exchange views on all key issues the Committee of Communities of Interest has been activated. Finally, with a view to the future, the company implemented within 2023 a wide range of consultations with local society, with a view to coordinating objectives and jointly drawing up the strategy for the rationalisation of the EUR 80 million committed in the coming years for local development actions and projects.