Aligned with its vision of sustainable mining that respects both people and the environment, Altınordu Mining adopts a comprehensive approach that addresses the economic, social, and environmental expectations of its local stakeholders. In this context, the company aims to contribute to the development and welfare of the communities in the region where the Balıkesir Karlık Gold Mine is located.
Within the first-degree impact area, the Karlık and Söbücealan neighborhoods consist of approximately 55 households and 135 residents, with an aging population largely dependent on livestock farming. The region has limited social infrastructure and minimal economic activity.
Priority will be given to implementing public-benefit-oriented infrastructure, social support, and sustainability projects in these two settlements. These initiatives aim to meet local needs and promote sustainable rural development, with the first steps already underway.
INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORTS
With a focus on public benefit, the project foresees improvements to the existing infrastructure, including the renewal of village roads, optimization of water resources, and enhancement of social facilities to make them more functional. These efforts, to be carried out in collaboration with the local community, aim in the long term to increase social welfare through the sustainable use of natural resources in the region.
At every stage of the project, local participation will be ensured, and transparency and cooperation will be prioritized throughout decision-making processes.
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT
In line with the operational cycle of the Balıkesir Karlık Gold Mine, the project aims to prioritize local human resources in meeting its employment needs. Additionally, the project is expected to create indirect job opportunities in the service sector and related industries supporting mining operations.
Our goal during the operational phase is to ensure that at least 50% of the workforce is sourced from local communities — including those within the first- and second-degree impact areas, as well as from Balya and Balıkesir.
LOCAL PROCUREMENT
In proportion to the operational cycle of the Balıkesir Karlık Gold Mine, the project plans to prioritize local supply sources. With a focus on public benefit, procurement needs will be met through local producers and suppliers, supporting regional economic revitalization and contributing to long-term prosperity.
Although the mine has not yet entered the operational phase, plans in this direction have already begun to be implemented.
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY
The project aims to revitalize the local economy and enhance regional prosperity through the efficient utilization of local resources. Within this scope, social support programs focusing on small and large livestock farming and beekeeping have already been initiated as part of the first phase of implementation.
SUPPORTING LIVESTOCK FARMING
The project aims to provide periodic maintenance, vaccination, and nutritional support, along with theoretical and practical training programs, for local producers engaged in small and large livestock farming. These initiatives also cover the improvement of animal shelters and disease control efforts to ensure sustainable livestock production.
Even before the start of mining operations, veterinary services, vaccination programs, and training support have already been provided to the local community.
REVITALIZING BEEKEEPING
Through training programs on modern beekeeping techniques, the project aims to increase the capacity of existing beekeepers and provide hive and equipment support to individuals interested in starting beekeeping. In the long term, the goal is to revive beekeeping in the region and create new economic value.
Even before the start of operations, beehives have been distributed in two villages, and hands-on training sessions at the hives have already begun to revitalize the beekeeping tradition that had previously ceased in the area.
PASTURE SUPPORT
Efforts to improve existing pasture areas, provide forage crop support, and develop livestock water infrastructure are among the project’s long-term sustainable development goals. In this context, rehabilitation works have been initiated to restore areas in the region that have lost their pasture quality.