First Ore Crushed at Skouries Copper-Gold Mine – A Major Milestone for European Mining and Crushing Equipment

Why the first ore crushed at Skouries copper-gold mine marks a significant milestone for large-scale mining projects in Europe

On July 20, 2026, Eldorado Gold Corporation announced a major achievement at its Skouries copper-gold project in northern Greece: first ore has been successfully processed through the crushing circuit. This milestone signals that the project has entered the final commissioning phase, with wet and dry commissioning activities now progressing across crushing, grinding, flotation, concentrate handling, and tailings circuits. Skouries is one of Europe’s largest copper-gold development projects and is expected to become a key source of both metals as Western governments seek new supplies outside traditional producing regions. When fully operational, the mine is expected to produce approximately 140,000 ounces of gold and 67 million pounds of copper per year over a 20-year mine life. For quarry and mining operators, the successful commissioning of a large-scale crushing circuit at Skouries demonstrates the critical role that reliable, high-performance crushing equipment plays in bringing major mining projects to production. At OCP Mechanical Company, with over 40 years of manufacturing experience, we supply a comprehensive range of crushing and screening equipment—including PE Series jaw crushers, HST Series cone crushers, and VSI 6X sand making machines—designed to meet the demands of large-scale mining operations like Skouries, all at factory-direct prices.

First ore through the crushing circuit – a critical commissioning milestone

The processing of first ore through the Skouries crushing circuit represents a pivotal step in the project’s journey toward production. The company has confirmed that ore is now being fed through the commissioned crushing circuit, demonstrating that the front-end processing systems are operating as expected. Full handover of the crushing circuit from the commissioning team to the operations team is currently underway. The company expects to introduce ore to the grinding and flotation circuits as those systems are progressively commissioned, building toward first copper-gold concentrate production in the third quarter of 2026. Commercial production is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to completion of final site energization, integrated commissioning, and ramp-up activities. For mining operators, this staged commissioning approach reflects industry best practice—systematically testing each stage of the processing circuit before full production begins. The successful start-up of the crushing circuit at Skouries underscores the importance of reliable, well-engineered primary crushing equipment in ensuring a smooth path to production. At OCP Mechanical, our crushing equipment is designed for robust performance and easy integration into complex processing circuits, supporting operators through every stage of project development.

Ore stockpile of 3.9 million tonnes – supporting steady production through 2026

To support the commissioning process and ensure a steady ramp-up of production, Eldorado has built a substantial ore stockpile at Skouries. Open pit mining continues to run ahead of schedule, with a run-of-mine stockpile of approximately 3.4 million tonnes already in place. Including ore from the underground operations, total stockpiles have reached approximately 3.9 million tonnes. This stockpile is expected to provide the ore feed required through 2026 and supports a lower-risk commissioning process and first year of production. For mining operators, maintaining an adequate ore stockpile ahead of plant start-up is a critical risk management strategy—it ensures that the processing plant can operate continuously even if mining operations face temporary disruptions. The scale of the Skouries stockpile reflects the project’s careful planning and the importance of reliable material handling and crushing equipment in building and maintaining such reserves. At OCP Mechanical, our complete crushing and screening solutions are designed to handle high-capacity feed rates and support the creation of consistent, well-graded stockpiles, ensuring that downstream processing can proceed without interruption.

Power infrastructure and commissioning progress

While the crushing circuit is now operational, the project’s full commissioning depends on final site energization. Construction of all 12 transmission towers and conductors is officially complete, following a coordinated and successful eight-hour power outage on the transmission line. Testing of the substation has been completed, but full site energization remains contingent on final inspection, testing, and sign-off by the relevant Greek power authority. To maintain commissioning momentum while awaiting permanent power, the company has proactively added additional generators to provide interim power as required. This pragmatic approach demonstrates how large-scale mining projects manage the transition from construction to production—using temporary power solutions to keep critical systems operational while permanent infrastructure is completed. For equipment suppliers, this highlights the importance of providing crushing equipment that can be commissioned and operated reliably even under interim power conditions. At OCP Mechanical, our equipment is designed with robust electrical systems and can be configured to operate with temporary power supplies, ensuring that commissioning schedules remain on track.

Skouries – a strategic asset for European copper and gold supply

The Skouries project is of strategic significance for European mineral supply. As part of the Kassandra Mines complex in the Halkidiki region of northern Greece, the project contains mineral reserves comprising 160 tonnes of gold, 2,000 tonnes of silver, and 1.5 million tonnes of lead and zinc. The area’s mining capacity is ranked among the largest in Europe, making Greece one of the leading copper and gold production countries internationally. Once fully operational, Skouries is expected to reshape Eldorado’s production profile by boosting gold output and introducing copper revenue, helping lower overall cash costs. The project represents one of the largest foreign direct investments in Greece, with total investment at full development exceeding $3 billion and currently employing approximately 3,500 people. For the broader mining equipment industry, projects like Skouries demonstrate the continued demand for high-capacity, reliable crushing and screening equipment in large-scale mine development. At OCP Mechanical, we are committed to supporting such projects with factory-direct equipment and comprehensive after-sales support, helping operators achieve their production targets efficiently and cost-effectively.

Sample project key data (For reference only)

All figures and recommendations are for reference only and are continuously updated. For the latest parameters, please consult our online customer service. Prices are for reference only and are subject to change based on configuration and market conditions. Actual results may vary depending on feed characteristics, operating conditions, and maintenance practices. OCP Mechanical reserves the right to update technical data and pricing without prior notice.

Why OCP Mechanical is your partner for large-scale mining projects

With over 40 years of manufacturing experience, OCP Mechanical combines engineering excellence with a deep understanding of the mining and aggregate sectors. We are a factory-direct supplier, meaning you avoid the markups charged by dealers and intermediaries. Our comprehensive range of crushing and screening equipment is built with high-quality components and is designed for reliable performance in the most demanding applications, from primary crushing to tertiary sand making. We provide comprehensive after-sales support, including spare parts availability, technical assistance, and on-site training. Our logistics team has extensive experience shipping to global destinations, ensuring timely delivery of equipment and parts. We are committed to helping you achieve efficient, productive crushing that supports your business growth.

Conclusion – Partner with OCP Mechanical for your mining project needs

The successful processing of first ore through the Skouries crushing circuit demonstrates the critical role that reliable crushing equipment plays in bringing large-scale mining projects to production. As the global mining industry continues to develop new projects in Europe and beyond, operators need equipment that delivers consistent performance, low maintenance, and high availability. OCP Mechanical offers the equipment, expertise, and factory-direct pricing you need to succeed. Our online customer service team is available 24/7 to provide free consultation, technical data, and a customised quotation for your operation. Click the chat button now – let us help you find the right crushing solution for your mining project.