ATHENS (Sputnik) — Eldorado Gold said Tuesday it would suspend one of its mining operations in northern Greece, accusing the country's government of treating the project as a "political toy," which caused licensing delays. The company's decision will result in the loss of 600 jobs at the mines.
"The company launched a political front against the government," Skourletis said, as broadcast by the Skai television channel.
He added that the company’s plans were blackmail and "offensive."
Greece’s ruling Syriza party has opposed Eldorado Gold’s development of a mine near the town of Skouries, saying that it would destroy the environment and harm the area’s tourism potential. The company’s CEO, Paul Wright, stated that the project adheres to all Greek environment protection laws.
The conflict comes as Greece struggles to attract foreign investment with unemployment levels hovering at around 25 percent.
