Call from Tantan to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey: Ban cyanide, bring operations under state control

The feared disaster has occurred at the gold mine in İliç, where warnings had been issued for years. Nine workers were left trapped under soil in a landslide at the mine. During the landslide, a massive pile of soil containing cyanide and heavy metals flowed toward the Euphrates River.

Former Minister of Interior Sadettin Tantan, in a statement on his social media account, demanded that the use of cyanide in gold production be banned. Calling on the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), Tantan wrote the following:

“I have previously stated that legislative changes must be made to ensure cyanide is not used in mining activities. I repeat the same statement. Those who hold office and positions in political parties by acting out of personal ambition and greed for rent, rather than seeking solutions to Turkey's real problems, cannot solve Turkey's issues.

Cyanide is used in mining activities in many regions of Turkey. As a society, we must oppose the use of cyanide in these activities and invite everyone elected by the public's votes to work on this issue.

Can a price be put on the Euphrates River? What is the financial value of fertile lands and water resources? If the Euphrates River becomes unusable due to cyanide and natural life comes to an end, who will pay the price for this?

Politics is not just about holding office or positions. Politics is obligated to solve problems. Legislative changes must be made urgently to ensure cyanide is not used in mining, and the plundering of our lands must be prevented. Is gold more valuable, or is the Euphrates River?

I urgently invite the Grand National Assembly of Turkey to take action to enact legal regulations to ban cyanide in mining legislation and to bring these activities entirely under state control.”