LODE OF CONTROVERSY: Supporters of a new mining project say it will create jobs and pour hundreds of millions into the local economy, as Greece struggles with a devastating financial crisis. Opponents argue it will pollute, wipe out forests and drive tourists away from a region of striking natural beauty.

RAISING HELLAS: Hellas Gold - 95 percent owned by Canadian mining company Eldorado Gold Inc. - holds mining licenses for an area covering 122 square miles.

DIGGING IN: Local residents have formed a protest committee hoping to stop work on the new mine and processing plant in the area.