Court issues stay of execution for İliç mine: Murat Kurum's signature was on it
Following the cancellation of the EIA decision regarding the Çöpler Gold Mine, where nine workers were buried under soil, another ruling has come from the judiciary. The court ruled in favor of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB), which had filed a lawsuit against the Ministry regarding the improper storage of soil containing cyanide and heavy metals that pose major risks to living beings and environmental health, and issued a stay of execution.
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On February 13, 2024, a landslide occurred at the Çöpler Gold Mine owned by Anagold Mining in İliç, Erzincan, leaving 9 workers buried under the soil where they lost their lives.
On June 21, 2022, tons of chemicals were released into the environment at the same mine site as a result of a burst cyanide solution pipe. Consequently, the mining company was fined, and its operations were temporarily suspended.
Following the landslide disaster, soil containing cyanide and numerous heavy metals, which are harmful to living beings and environmental health, began to be stored in violation of regulations and without an impermeable layer. TMMOB applied to the General Directorate of Environmental Management of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, demanding that the improper storage be stopped immediately. The Ministry rejected the application.
IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE
Taking the rejection decision to the judiciary, TMMOB applied to the Erzincan Administrative Court and requested a stay of execution for the transport activity.
In the petition for the lawsuit, which emphasized that the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization prioritized company interests over public interests, it was stated that transporting the heavy heap leach material, which contains cyanide solution and heavy metals, to an area without impermeability causes irreparable destruction and irreversible damage to the natural environment, living organisms, and the ecological balance, which have already been severely degraded by years of mining activity and previous accidents.
The petition further emphasized that the base and side surfaces of the area where the slipped material is stored must have appropriate clay group minerals and an established impermeability layer; otherwise, it is impossible to prevent the chemicals and heavy metals used from leaking into the soil and water.
"NO COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW"
In its assessment, the court stated, "Since it is understood that the provisions of the legislation were not complied with during the activity of storing the material that slipped from the heap leach in temporary storage areas, it has been concluded that the action subject to the lawsuit is not in compliance with the law and legislation in this respect."
In the ruling, it was stated that the action was "clearly unlawful and could cause damages that are difficult or impossible to compensate if implemented," and a stay of execution was ordered.
DURING MURAT KURUM'S TENURE
Construction work at the Çöpler Gold Mine began in 2009, and its capacity has been increased 4 times since it began operations in 2010. During the tenure of Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, an 'EIA Positive' decision was issued for the 'Çöpler Complex Mine 2nd Capacity Increase and Flotation Plant' project on 07.10.2021, and an 'EIA Not Required' decision was issued for the 'Çöpler Complex Open Pit Expansion' project on 16.08.2023.