Mining protest from the people of Tunceli: 'We will not allow this attack'

Local residents and environmental activists held a march today against a planned pumice stone quarry in the Sekasur region, located between Hozat and Pertek in Tunceli.

During the protest, slogans such as "Do not touch my nature, my water, my soil!", "Sekasur is sacred, it will remain sacred", and "There is no salvation alone, either all together or none of us" were chanted. 

In a statement, the platform noted that the pumice quarry poses a serious threat not only to nature but also to agriculture, livestock, water resources, beekeeping, historical burial sites, and sacred spaces belonging to Alevi culture. It was warned that mining operations on Süambun Mountain would dry up water basins, damage the ecosystem, and lead to the depopulation of villages. 

The platform issued a call to environmental organizations, faith-based institutions, and all citizens, stating, "This is not just a struggle against a mine; it is a defense of a faith, a way of life, and a geography."  

Furthermore, it was announced that legal proceedings have been initiated with demands for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process to be conducted transparently, for the public to be informed, and for sacred areas to be protected.