AzerGold: Saleable reserve in Julfa gold deposit considered at 237,000 ounces

Active preparation is underway for the exploitation of the Ortakand gold deposit in the Julfa district of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, stated Zakir Ibrahimov, Chairman of the Board of AzerGold CJSC, Report informs.

Speaking at the International Geology-Mining Forum held in Nakhchivan city, Ibrahimov said that according to international standards, the gold reserve in the Earth's interior is calculated at 542,000 ounces.

The forum was organized by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Nakhchivan and supported by the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the autonomous republic.

According to Ibrahimov, the saleable amount of gold reserve is estimated at 237,000 ounces: "The Ortakand deposit is planned to be put into operation in 2028. Currently, research on the parameters of the initial technical and economic calculation (Scoping study) continues. Optimal extraction and processing technologies are being investigated to further increase the saleable reserves of the deposit, taking into account social, economic, and environmental factors."

Ibrahimov noted that research is also being conducted in other promising areas located in Julfa and Ordubad districts: "We are talking about the areas of Goydagh copper-molybdenum, Bashkand copper, and Nasirvaz polymetallic manifestations. During the current year, it is planned to calculate the reserves of Goydagh and Bashkand deposits in accordance with international standards. It is forecasted that the Goydagh deposit will be put into operation in 2029, and other deposits in the coming years, depending on the final results of the research."