Skouries workers to block roads in protest actions against Greek government decision to shut mining site

The workers of ‘Hellas Gold’, the subsidiary of Canadian gold mining company ‘Eldorado’, decided after a long union meeting to take action in protest against the Greek government’s decision to shut down the mining operations at Skouries, Chalkidiki, in northern Greece. Speaking to Athens News Agency (ANA), the President of the Craftsmen and Employees Union of Agia Varvara, George Chatzis said the 2,000 workers employed at the mining site would block the roads at two points. Meanwhile, ‘Eldorado Gold’ announced it would proceed with all the necessary actions to suspend its operations in Skouries, Chalkidiki from August 25, 2015, adhering to the relevant decision by the Ministry of Productive Reconstruction, Environment and Energy. The Canadian company stated it would take legal action to repeal the Greek government’s decision, including filing injunctive relief measures before the Council of State and the Supreme Court of Greece in relation to administrative and environmental matters. Greek Minister Panos Skourletis announced suddenly the suspension of operations of the site last week, with many believing it was a clear political move in light of the snap elections.