Cengiz is not satisfied with mining: Approval expected for cyanide project!

While the judicial process, protests, and arrests targeting Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and his colleagues occupy the country's agenda, Cengiz Holding has attempted to take advantage of this environment. The holding's subsidiary, Eti Bakır A.Ş., has accelerated its efforts to conduct gold and silver exploration activities between the Mihalgazi and Tepebaşı districts of Eskişehir.

EIA REPORT SUBMITTED WITH DEFICIENCIES

According to a report by Belce Örü from Sözcü, Cengiz Holding has submitted its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, which is said to contain major deficiencies, to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. While a final decision has not yet been made by the ministry, notable developments have occurred in the process. The project, which threatens the water resources of the Sakarya River, has the potential to directly affect life in the region.

MEETING RESULT: SUSPENSION DECISION

The deficiencies in the report were discussed at the Review and Evaluation Commission (İDK) meeting held in Ankara on April 9. A "suspension decision" emerged from this meeting. However, since this decision does not mean cancellation, the process is still actively ongoing. The ministry's final approval could be announced this week.

THE PUBLIC AND ENVIRONMENTALISTS ARE RESISTING

Local residents and environmental organizations have been organizing protests against the gold-silver mine for a long time. Warning that fertile agricultural lands, water resources, and natural life will be destroyed, citizens are demanding that the project be completely canceled. Due to the cyanide extraction method, the public argues that the soil and water will be poisoned.

542 HECTARES OF FOREST UNDER THREAT

According to Eti Bakır A.Ş.'s EIA report, mining will be carried out in a total area of 713 hectares (approximately 941 football fields). An open-pit blasting method will be applied at the site, where 180 million tons of excavation will be carried out. Production to be carried out using the cyanide heap leaching method will cause the destruction of 542 hectares of forest area.

MINING DANGER NEAR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

The project's EIA report states that there are 2 first-degree and 1 third-degree archaeological sites located just 1.8 km, 220 meters, and 130 meters away from the mining area. This situation threatens not only nature but also cultural heritage.

News Source: 12punto