Alamos Gold Inc. said Dec. 13 that it has slowed development activities and spending at its Kirazli project in Turkey until its operating license is granted. Alamos has been waiting to receive the license since securing key permits earlier this year.

The company said it is in discussions with the Department of Energy and Natural Resources over the delay and has been assured that the review of the license is following the normal administrative process.

It expects to ramp up major construction and earthworks activities in the spring of 2019, pending receipt of the license.

First production is targeted for the second half of 2020.

Alamos has so far spent US$18 million on construction work at the project. Road construction is complete and the water reservoir and power line are 50% and 85% complete, respectively.