Tokat stands up against cyanide gold mine: It will affect 25 villages!

Hazal Güven - 12punto.com.tr

The first hearing of the lawsuit filed for the cancellation of the license for the cyanide gold mine project planned for Günçalı Village in Tokat and its surroundings was held at the Tokat Administrative Court. In the hearing, where all defendants were heard, the court concluded the session by stating that the 'decision will be notified in writing later.'

PEOPLE OF TOKAT WERE IN FRONT OF THE COURTHOUSE AGAINST THE GOLD MINE

Against the cyanide gold mine project planned by HLC Kıymetli Madenler ve Yatırım A.Ş., the people of Tokat gathered in front of the courthouse to follow the lawsuit. Walking with flags and banners in their hands, the local people chanted, "The surface of the soil is more valuable than gold."

HOW DID THE PROJECT START?

The company named HLC Kıymetli Madenler ve Yatırım A.Ş., which wants to implement the project, went to Günçalı Village on the morning of the May 14 elections with equipment and drilling machines to start excavation operations. The resistance shown by the villagers in a short time found a response, and the company could not continue its mining exploration activities.

LIVESTOCK ACTIVITIES, GÜZELCE DAM, AND GREEN AREAS ARE IN DANGER!

If the gold mine in question is implemented, livestock activities, which are one of the main sources of livelihood for the local people, will be in danger. Soil fertility will decrease, and natural milk and dairy products, which are produced and provide income through organically fed animals, will not be able to be produced.

Another place threatened by the gold mine will be the Güzelce Dam, which irrigates the Artova and Çamlıbel plains in the region. Due to the waste from the gold mine, groundwater and surface waters, streams, and ponds will be polluted by acid mine drainage.

Another place under threat will be the Çal Baba and the surrounding forest land. According to experts, if the gold mine is implemented, the region, which is full of endemic plant species, will be permanently and irreversibly destroyed.

SUPPORT FROM CHP MP: 'WE WILL PROTECT OUR NATURE AND OUR SOIL'

Stating that "Projects that 'threaten' the right to life of our people under the name of a mining project are unconstitutional," CHP Tokat Deputy Kadim Durmaz made evaluations to 12punto regarding the planned mining activities.

"We went to the Tokat Courthouse today against the mining project that will negatively affect Tokat's Günçalı, Killik, Çayören, Güzelce, Kervansaray, and Yatmış villages, as well as the vast forest areas surrounding these villages, the streams, dams, and ponds in the region, and will poison the groundwater and surface waters. The local people are demanding that the damage the project will cause be seen and examined on-site. They want the faith center Çalbaba, located in Günçalı, to be registered. There was a high participation of non-governmental organizations, political parties, and local people. We stand by the local people in these legitimate demands until the end. We have not let this matter go, both in Parliament and in the region. We will protect our nature, our soil, and our water against the mining project in Günçalı that will lead to irreparable consequences."

News Source : 12punto