Pelin Usta Ozkayhan

Pelin Usta Özkayhan has served as the Director of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at Öksüt Metal Madencilik AŞ, a subsidiary of Centerra Gold, since 2021. With over 22 years of experience in the gold mining industry in Türkiye, she specializes in environmental management, permitting, public relations, community engagement, and governance. Pelin's leadership is guided by the core values of "people and environment first," steering Centerra Gold's sustainable mining efforts in Türkiye. She is committed to responsible mining practices, ensuring environmental and social considerations are prioritized throughout operations. Her extensive background includes participation in domestic and international training programs and technical visits to gold mines worldwide. She has leveraged this knowledge to develop management systems that enhance corporate environmental responsibility, improve communication with government entities, and address local community needs. Her efforts have strengthened companies' reputations, particularly regarding environmental stewardship and stakeholder engagement.Pelin’s proactive approach to environmental protection and worker welfare is evident through national and international certifications, underscoring her dedication to ethical mining practices. These achievements foster trust and acceptance among stakeholders, including local communities, regulatory authorities, and investors. Her work exemplifies Centerra’s commitment to sustainability, emphasizing environmental protection and human well-being.In addition to her role in sustainable mining, Pelin has been instrumental in empowering women entrepreneurs in local communities. Under her guidance, Öksüt received 11 awards from the StevieInternationalBusinessAwards, theCommunitasAwards and