Constitutional Court annuls EIA decision for Cerattepe
The Constitutional Court has annulled the positive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) decision granted for mining activities planned in Cerattepe, demanding that the local court implement the decision immediately.
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While the environmental and legal struggle against mining exploration activities carried out in the Cerattepe area of Artvin's Kafkasör Plateau continues, a notable decision has come from the Constitutional Court (AYM).
The High Court annulled the positive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report issued for Cerattepe, ruling that there was a violation of rights in accordance with Article 20 of the Constitution.
The decision was published in the Official Gazette dated May 20, 2024.
'RIGHT TO RESPECT FOR PRIVATE LIFE VIOLATED'
Drawing attention to the right of the people of Artvin to live in a healthy environment, the Constitutional Court ruled that the right to respect for private life had been violated.
The court paved the way for a retrial and sent the decision to the Rize Administrative Court.
WHAT HAD HAPPENED?
Mining exploration activities in Cerattepe began in 1986 with the Canadian company Cominco. Subsequently, Inmet Mining and Cengiz Holding operated in the region, respectively.
In 2013, the process was suspended as a result of an application for a stay of execution filed by the people of Artvin.
In 2014, the local court ruled that mining could not be operated in the region.
This decision was upheld by the Council of State.
However, the company obtained a second EIA report and resumed operations once again.