Anatolia Minerals Development says it has commenced construction work at the Çöpler gold project in eastern central Turkey.

Mining and civil contractors have begun work while additional contractors, personnel and equipment are currently being mobilised.

Initial work involves critical path items. Heap leach pad preparatory activity and excavation work for the main crusher foundation has already commenced.

Anatolia has proposed an initial production target of 1.3 million ounces of gold at $260 an ounce for the Çöpler project.

Çöpler’s initial gold pour is anticipated in 2010 with full annual production of 175,000oz of gold expected in 2011.