There has long been opposition to the prospect of a gold mine and processing plant being built at Skouries in the Halkidiki peninsula, with some residents objecting to what they say will be the destruction of the environment and of pristine forest in the area, leading to the loss of tourism and other local activities such as farming, the rearing of livestock and fishing.

NPR: Masked Intruders Raid Greek Gold Mining Company

Palladium capacity worldwide is likewise expected to increase an additional 16, 000 kg in Russia, 14, 000 kg in South Africa, 4, 000 kg in Zimbabwe, and 1, 000 kg in Canada if new or expanded mine and associated processing capacity comes into production as planned.

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Mineral extracted at the mine would be transferred underground for processing on Teesside about 35 miles (56km) away.

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Last year, after uranium prices had fallen from their highs, UEC was able to buy a processing plant and another mine near its existing holdings.

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An Italian group has leased the biggest chrome mine, and a Turkish outfit has started processing scrap metal at an elderly Chinese-built steel plant.

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Opponents say the new mine, which will consist of an open pit, tunnels beneath, and processing plant, will destroy the forest and contaminate groundwater.

NPR: Masked Intruders Raid Greek Gold Mining Company