Öksüt Mining is integrating artificial intelligence and digital transformation technologies into its occupational health and safety (OHS) practices.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is among the highest priority issues in the mining sector. Thanks to technological innovations in recent years, significant progress has been made in OHS applications. These developments have led to safer working environments while also increasing operational efficiency.

Öksüt Mining, which operates a gold mine in the Develi district of Kayseri, aims to minimize occupational health and safety risks through the use of advanced technology. According to the statement, AI-based technologies are effectively utilized in mining, particularly in the areas of data analytics, maintenance planning, job safety, and risk prediction. While data analytics tools enable the analysis of efficiency and safety risks in production processes, camera systems and sensors can automatically detect critical risks on site. These technologies not only increase efficiency but also allow for the prevention of potential accidents before they occur.

"Artificial intelligence strengthens our occupational safety processes"

Stating that they place occupational health, safety, and environmental protection at the core of their mining philosophy, Öksüt Mining Country Manager David Bickford said, "With our 'Safety at Work, Safety at Home' training program, we aim to instill a culture of safety in our employees, not only in their work lives but also in their social lives. Within this scope, we offer comprehensive training programs."

Bickford stated that artificial intelligence and digital technologies are important supporters in achieving their responsible mining goals. "Artificial intelligence and digital transformation enable us to reduce risks and prevent accidents in occupational safety processes. This is a critical step for the safety of our employees," he added.

"The system instantly alerts the intervention team when it detects a non-compliance"

Bickford noted that the system instantly alerts the intervention team when it detects non-compliance, emphasizing that this proactive approach ensures accident prevention through rapid response.

Furthermore, David Bickford stated that they analyze the data collected from the field via sensors and IoT (The Internet of Things) technology using artificial intelligence. Thanks to these analyses, they can create risk maps of high-risk areas and take necessary precautions. Bickford reported that with the AI-based risk detection system that generates data-driven risk maps, they can instantly detect hazards and take proactive safety measures in risky areas.

19% of Turkey’s gold production comes from Öksüt

Providing information on mining activities, Bickford stated that the mine in Öksüt will continue to operate for another 4 years with the existing ore, adding that they are actively pursuing new ore searches in different regions, primarily in Kayseri and Central Anatolia.

Touching upon the company's economic contributions, Bickford shared the following information: "In 2024, our company contributed $60 million to the regional economy. Our total gold production reached 6.2 tonnes, which corresponds to approximately 19% of Turkey's total gold production. Our gold mining operation provides employment for approximately 1400 people, 80% of whom are from the Kayseri and Develi regions."

The first gold mine in Turkey to receive a loan from the EBRD

Bickford stated that the company contributes to the region not only economically but also socially, saying: "Between 2014 and 2024, we invested approximately 258 million TL in social responsibility projects, predominantly in the fields of education and health. One of our prominent projects was the women's cooperative we established in Develi to increase women's participation in production and economic life. We became the first gold mine in Turkey to secure a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This allowed us to integrate and implement the social dimension of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) processes right at the start of the project."

"Accelerating permitting processes is crucial for the sector"

Bickford stated that gold production in Turkey is on a downward trend, with a total of 32.2 tonnes produced in 2024, and reminded that gold imports constitute approximately 57% of Turkey's current account deficit. Bickford continued: "The process from reserve discovery to production takes an average of 10 years in Turkey, and only 2 out of every 700 mining licenses issued manage to turn into a mine. 17 different institutions must approve a new mining site before it can become operational. We know that the Ministry is preparing a reform to accelerate the permitting processes. The implementation of these reforms will make a significant and positive contribution to the mining sector.

kayseriviphaber.com