Çöpler Incident: SSR Mining Unveils Expert Analysis of Its Cause
SSR Mining has unveiled new insights into the February 13, 2024, incident at its Çöpler mine in Türkiye, referred to as the “Çöpler Incident.” In its pursuit of understanding the cause of this event, the Company enlisted the expertise of Call & Nicholas, Inc. (CNI), an internationally recognized consulting firm specializing in geological and geotechnical engineering, as well as hydrology. CNI’s thorough independent review of the heap leach failure at Çöpler has provided a comprehensive analysis of the probable causes and outlined key findings.
Expert Review: Independent Analysis of the Incident
CNI’s investigation focused on Mining Unveils evaluating the design, construction, and operation of the heap leach facility, alongside reverse-engineering the failure to identify its root cause. The review concluded that the primary factor behind the failure was a deeply embedded engineering flaw in the original third-party design of the heap leach pad.
This flaw stemmed from an Mining Unveils overestimation of the shear strength properties of the liner system at the base of the heap leach. The miscalculation resulted in an inflated factor of safety, meaning the design could not adequately support the load and structure.
The review highlighted that construction and operational processes strictly adhered to the original design parameters, with no deviations or anomalies identified. Moreover, external factors such as excessive water accumulation, nearby blasting vibrations, or overstacking beyond design limits were ruled out as contributors to the incident.
SSR Mining’s Leadership Response
Rod Antal, Executive Chairman of SSR Mining, addressed the findings with a mix of reflection and resolve:
The independent expert review of the Mining Unveils Çöpler Incident has been a vital step in understanding the root cause of this event. While it is reassuring to learn that the failure was due to an engineering design flaw and not Mining Unveils operational or construction errors, the tragedy remains deeply impactful. Our focus now is on ensuring that this knowledge leads to improved safety and operational integrity as we move forward. We Mining Unveils remain fully committed to Çöpler, the local communities, and the people of Türkiye.”
Antal emphasized that the lessons learned from this incident would be instrumental in strengthening operational practices, not only at Çöpler but across SSR Mining’s global portfolio.
Progress Toward Resuming Operations
SSR Mining continues to prioritize the safe and responsible restart of operations at the Çöpler mine. This process involves close collaboration with relevant regulatory authorities to secure the necessary permits and implement enhanced safety Mining Unveils measures. However, the Company has noted that the timeline for resuming operations remains uncertain, depending on regulatory approvals and the completion of critical safety improvements.
The Mining Unveils Company is committed to addressing every aspect of the incident with the highest level of care, ensuring that all steps taken align with its broader goals of operational excellence and community support.
Transparency and Stakeholder Communication
As part of its commitment to transparency, SSR Mining has pledged to provide regular updates regarding the Çöpler Incident and its resolution. Detailed Mining Unveils information about the incident, including the risks and corrective measures being undertaken, will be made available through the Company’s official reports and press releases. Key disclosures include:
- Annual Report on Form 10-K: Covering the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, filed on February 27, 2024.
- Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q: Updates for the periods ending March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2024.
Stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed via these reports and the Company’s official website
Commitment to the Community and Türkiye
Despite the challenges posed by the Çöpler Incident, SSR Mining has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the local communities and Türkiye. Recognizing the profound impact of the incident, the Company continues to work closely with community leaders, local authorities, and key partners to support the region.
The Company has long prioritized maintaining positive relationships with its stakeholders and remains dedicated to addressing the needs and concerns of those affected by the incident. Moving forward, SSR Mining plans to keep safety, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility at the core of its operations.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Safety and Operational Integrity
The findings of the independent review by Call & Nicholas, Inc. have provided crucial clarity on the root cause of the Çöpler Incident, identifying an engineering design flaw as the primary factor behind the failure. This knowledge equips SSR Mining with the tools to prevent similar incidents in the future and reinforces its commitment to sustainable, responsible mining practices.
As the Company works toward resuming operations at Çöpler, safety will remain the cornerstone of its strategy. By learning from this experience and implementing robust safety protocols, SSR Mining aims to rebuild trust with its stakeholders and reaffirm its role as a responsible operator in the mining industry.
Through ongoing communication, operational improvements, and unwavering dedication to community support, SSR Mining is poised to navigate this challenging period and emerge stronger in its mission to deliver long-term value for all its stakeholders.
