ANAGOLD - ÇÖPLER GOLD MINE ROCKFALL PROTECTION PROJECT

Following the major landslide that occurred in February 2024 in the heap leach area of the Çöpler Gold Mine, located in the İliç district of Erzincan, a pressurized pipeline was installed to safely discharge contaminated water from the site. This initiative represents the second stage of a rockfall protection project for the discharge pipeline, which initially included the installation of 770 m² of RB 1000 rockfall barriers and 6,000 m² of SteelGrid HR50 mesh during the first phase in 2024.

However, due to its location, the pipeline remained exposed to a high risk of rockfalls. The disrupted slopes and irregular accumulation of debris caused by the landslide created conditions conducive to rock detachment and debris flows, posing significant threats to both the pipeline and nearby infrastructure.

To mitigate these risks, the first phase of protective measures was implemented in 2024. Critical slopes were stabilized using passive SteelGrid HR50 systems, and a rockfall barrier—measuring 220.0 meters in length and 3.50 meters in height, with an energy absorption capacity of 1,000 kJ—was constructed. All the rockfall barrier materials are CE marked and the barriers are certified according to the EAD 340059-00-0106 (ex ETAG027). While these interventions proved effective in the short term, ongoing site monitoring revealed the need for additional measures to ensure long-term slope stability and enable continuous geotechnical observation of the area.

In 2025, a second phase of implementation was launched to complement and strengthen the existing protection systems. As part of this phase, an additional 100 m² of SteelGrid HR50 mesh was installed to enhance the performance of the current barrier line.

Furthermore, two Hellomac monitoring devices and one Hubir satellite-based monitoring station were deployed on site. These systems, recognized for their long battery life and durability in harsh environmental conditions, enable uninterrupted data collection in the field. Equipped with satellite communication capabilities, the monitoring units allow for real-time tracking of slope movements and structural responses, facilitating a proactive and data-driven approach to risk