Canadian mining company Eldorado Gold has received two permits relating to the tailings management facility in Kokkinolakkas, Greece.
The permits were granted by the Ministry of Energy and Environment include the Olympias operating permit valid for three years from the date of issue, and the modified electromechanical installation permit.
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Eldorado Gold president and CEO George Burns said: "This is a positive step forward; however, we are still waiting on other permits.
"Open dialogue with the government would be the company's preference rather than legal recourse and arbitration but we are confident that any potential arbitration will again demonstrate Eldorado's adherence to all applicable laws and regulations and its commitment to developing its Greek assets safely, responsibly and with utmost care for the environment."
The development comes days after the company revealed its plans to suspend investment at its operating mines in the country over alleged delays in obtaining permits and licences in connection with the Skouries and Olympias projects in Halkidiki.
Separately, the company’s Greek subsidiary Hellas Gold has received a notice from the government, signalling the beginning of domestic arbitration, which alleges a violation of contracts.
The company is still waiting for approval of the technical study for the old Olympias Mine closure and the installation permits for the paste plants at Olympias, as well as the amended electromechanical installation permit for the Skouries flotation plant.
In addition, matters relating to the relocation of antiquities at the Skouries site are still pending.
The company said that it would reconsider its investment options in the country based on the outcome of the pending approvals and the arbitration process.
