Anglo Asian Mining gets cutting-edge CAT equipment at Azerbaijan’s Gadabay Gold Mine

Gold, copper, and silver producer Anglo Asian Mining PLC has announced the arrival of a cutting-edge Caterpillar underground mining fleet at its Gadabay Gold Mine in Azerbaijan. 

This development marks a milestone as the first deployment of such equipment in the country, and it is notably backed by substantial vendor financing from Caterpillar - another first in the region, according to the financial news platform Proactive.

Comprising three R1700 and two 980UMA underground loaders, the equipment is characterised by its advanced safety features and enhanced operator environment, representing the latest in mining technology.

Borusan, the authorised regional Caterpillar dealer, will ensure efficient after-sales service with a ready stock of spare parts in Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Kazakhstan.

Implementing this fleet at the Gilar mine, which is currently under development, will create around 50 new local job opportunities spanning equipment operation, maintenance, and support, adding to the company's significant local workforce at the Gadabay Gold Mine.

Financially, the investment totals $4.6 million, with the majority expected to be refinanced through the vendor financing loan from Caterpillar.

To commemorate this technological leap, a ceremony was held on December 11, 2023, where a demonstration of remote machine operation drew attention from local and regional dignitaries, representatives from Caterpillar and Borusan, and the media.

Looking ahead, the Gilar mine is poised to commence production around mid-2024.

With an estimated 6.10 million tonnes of mineralization, including significant deposits of copper, gold, and zinc, the mine is set to play a crucial role in bridging the production gap from the company's existing mines.