History
Founding Story
The foundations of Ascona Mining Group trace back to 1992, when Özcan Yavuz established Gencler Mining & Engineering, building extensive field-based expertise in mining and mineral processing across Türkiye. Over the following decades, this hands-on operational knowledge shaped a disciplined, technically grounded, and value-driven approach to mining.
Under the leadership of Özcan Yavuz, Gencler Mining expanded its industrial footprint through a series of strategic investments. In 2002, the company commissioned a white bentonite–based cat litter production facility in Ünye (Ordu), strontium beneficiation plants in Sivas and Mersin, and a white barite (barium sulfate) washing and mineral processing facility in Mersin.
In 2005, chromite ore production and beneficiation investments were realized in the Sivas region, with the chromite beneficiation plant in Divriği continuing active operations today.
As the scale, scope, and strategic ambitions of these operations grew, the need for a more integrated and internationally oriented structure became evident. In 2025, Ascona Mining Group was established as the institutional evolution of this legacy—designed to consolidate decades of operational experience into a scalable, future-focused mining organization.
Today, Ascona Mining Group continues exploration and development activities in strategic minerals, including precious metals, copper, and pyrite. Guided by long-term sustainability and value creation, Ascona transforms proven field expertise into an integrated platform aligned with global mining standards and markets.
Timeline
1992
Gencler Mining & Engineering is founded by Özcan Yavuz, focusing on mining and mineral processing activities supported by extensive field experience across Türkiye.
2002
Commissioning of multiple industrial facilities:
- White bentonite–based cat litter production plant in Ünye, Ordu
- Strontium beneficiation facilities in Sivas and Mersin
- White barite (barium sulfate) washing and mineral processing facility in Mersin
2005
Investment in chromite ore production and beneficiation in the Sivas region.
The chromite beneficiation plant in Divriği, Sivas becomes operational.
Today
Ongoing exploration and development activities in precious metals, copper, and pyrite, driven by a sustainable and value-added mining approach.
1992
Gencler Mining & Engineering was founded by Özcan Yavuz, initiating field-driven mining and mineral processing operations across Türkiye.
2002
A white bentonite–based cat litter production plant in Ünye (Ordu), strontium beneficiation facilities in Sivas and Mersin, and a white barite (barium sulfate) washing and mineral processing plant in Mersin were commissioned.
2005
Investments in chromite ore production and beneficiation were realized in the Sivas region, and the chromite beneficiation plant in Divriği (Sivas) became operational.
Legacy to Scale
Decades of field experience, technical expertise, and operational know-how developed within Gencler Mining formed the foundation for the establishment of Ascona Mining Group, envisioned as a more integrated, scalable, and internationally oriented mining platform.
2025
Ascona Mining Group was established as a more integrated, scalable, and internationally oriented mining platform built upon this legacy.
Today
Ascona Mining Group continues exploration and development activities in precious metals, copper, and pyrite, advancing with a sustainable and value-driven mining approach.
