AzerGold CJSC has marked a significant advancement in the development of the Soyudlu (Zod) gold deposit, the largest gold deposit in the Caucasus, by successfully completing its first drilling and blasting operation. This milestone is part of the preparations for mine development, which began with extensive geological studies, topographic surveying, and drilling activities that have reached a total depth of 18,000 metres since August 2025. The geological exploration has estimated the recoverable remaining reserves of the Soyudlu gold deposit at 1.03 million ounces, adhering to the internationally recognised JORC standards for reporting mineral resources and ore reserves.
The initial blasting operation was executed in accordance with approved technical designs and safety protocols, ensuring a controlled environment with established safety perimeters and site inspections post-blast. This operation is pivotal in transitioning the deposit’s resources into economic production and advancing towards active mining operations.
In conjunction with mine development, efforts are underway to establish processing solutions for the ore. Flotation technology has been identified as essential for the initial processing stage, and technical and economic assessments are being conducted to explore the development of a modern flotation processing facility.
The commissioning of the Soyudlu mine is anticipated to enhance production capacity within Azerbaijan’s mining sector, generate additional state revenue, and foster new employment opportunities in the Kalbajar district, thereby supporting local economic activity and socio-economic development. Currently, 236 personnel are employed on the project, including 55 local residents, with plans to increase direct and indirect employment to approximately 700 during the initial mining and construction phase from 2026 to 2029, and over 1,300 once full-scale operations commence.
