Public opposition to mining project in Tokat grows

A bentonite mine planned to be opened in the town of Yazıcık in Tokat's Niksar district has sparked a reaction from local residents. Citizens, concerned that agricultural and water resources will be harmed, gathered on the plateau to protest the project. During the demonstration, which was also attended by CHP Deputy Chairman Özgür Karabat, Yazıcık Mayor Tuncer Uzunoğlu, and environmental associations, the message was given that nature must be protected.

In his speech, Karabat said, "As a son of these lands, I will not allow my village and our plateaus to be harmed." Stating that the mining license was granted without regard for public interest, Karabat remarked, "It is unacceptable for thousands of trees and agricultural lands to be destroyed for the sake of seven people working." Drawing attention to the 21 endemic plant species in the region, Karabat emphasized the importance of protecting these plants.

Yazıcık Mayor Tuncer Uzunoğlu stated that the mining project would last for 40 years and cover an area of 513 hectares, adding that the Yeşilırmak Basin would also be affected by this project. Declaring that they have filed a lawsuit against MAPEG for the cancellation of the license as a municipality, Uzunoğlu said, "Our nature and water resources could be irreversibly destroyed." Claiming that the project is not based on scientific data and that a misleading EIA report was prepared, Uzunoğlu added, "This project will not lead to public benefit, but to public harm."

Karabat stated that they had conveyed the issue to AK Party Group Deputy Chairman Özlem Zengin and Minister Murat Kurum, saying, "This struggle is a non-partisan issue. Nature and the future are our common heritage." Noting that Zengin is also against the project, Karabat said they would continue the fight to protect nature.

News Source: 12punto