Conservation of the population of two terrestrial turtles on the territory of the Ada Tepe mine, within the Natura 2000 zone. The two species of turtles listed in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria as globally endangered have been identified on the territory of the future mine. Multi-component monitoring and implementation of measures are aimed at preventing adverse effects on the population - building a fence, removing all turtles from the mine site manually, placing chips, annual monitoring of the number and movement of turtles, planting fruit trees and more.

The benefits of the project are for protected species of tortoises - Testudo hermani and Testudo graeca, the community, conservationists, the scientific community, the mining industry. The project was selected as the European Union's best practice, biodiversity in the area. For the last 8 years, 2456 turtles of both species have been marked.

Together with a group of specialists, the Company initiated its first measures in 2012, i.e. to find and relocate protected tortoise species from the area of the future minesite to other suitable nearby territories. These measures have been ongoing for the past 8 years.

2456 marked tortoises from both protected species. total of 522 tortoises have been relocated by end 2017. safety fence was set up around the territory of the future minesite to prevent tortoises from returning to their original habitat. A total of 9 plots were set up to help feed tortoises by planting forest-fruit vegetation in the region of the relocation. A database on all tortoises was also set up. Additional protection measures over the years include: Training local volunteers to reduce poaching Consultations with local authorities to coordinate tortoise protection activities, incl. maintaining an aggregated database. Develop educational programs and trainings on biodiversity protection and running related awareness campaigns Trainings for Company contractors on procedures related to tortoise finding

In November 2013 a Compatibility Assessment was made to define the compatibility of the future gold-mining project with the protected areas under NATURA 2000. This Compatibility Assessment was then included in the Best Practices Report drafted by the European Commission on the assessment and upgrade of permitting procedures under NATURA 2000. A best practice for the maximum protection of endangered species has been applied; Successfully hatched little ones in the new territories; Acquiring knowledge and practical skills in the field of tortoise biology and ecology, partnership