High-Quality Cornerstone Asset and
Center of Mining Innovation

Chelopech is an underground copper-gold mine located in Bulgaria, approximately 75 kilometres east of the capital city of Sofia. Since acquiring the operation in 2003, DPM has transformed Chelopech into a world-class operation with leading operational and environmental performance.

Underground mining method consists of using sub-level long-hole open stoping with paste fill. Ore is crushed underground and transported to the surface using conveyors. Chelopech produces copper-gold and pyrite-gold concentrates that are shipped to global smelters for processing.

A multi-year capital investment program transformed Chelopech into a high quality, modern operation with strong production and low costs. Chelopech today has a solid track record of meeting or exceeding international standards for worker safety, environmental protection and sustainable development. 

Chelopech is a leader in digital innovation, achieving significant improvements in efficiency, environmental performance and worker safety. The mine has 100% reliable underground Wi-Fi coverage at 600 metres below ground level, and, in 2019, commissioned the industry’s first deep-learning autonomous drone working in an underground environment. 

Chelopech’s long mine life extends to 2032, based on current mineral reserve estimates, with a strong mineral resource base.

There is strong potential to continue extending the mine’s life, with our demonstrated track record of converting mineral resources into mineral reserves, and our in-mine and growing brownfield exploration programs.