Eskişehir does not approve the mine

Source: News Center

Reactions are growing against the cyanide gold and silver mining project in Eskişehir . The Eskişehir Nature and Life Platform, which has collected over 4,000 signatures against the project, which covers the Alpagut and Atalan neighborhoods of Mihalgazi and is owned by Eti Bakır A.Ş., a subsidiary of Cengiz Holding, submitted the petitions to the Eskişehir Governor's Office and the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

Speaking in front of the governor's office, platform member Filiz Fatma Özkoç recalled that two Investigation and Evaluation Commission (IAC) meetings were held regarding the project. Özkoç explained that the EIA file was returned to the company for revision after objections were raised in the first meeting, but the project was approved in the second. She added, "The people of Eskişehir do not approve the Alpagut-Atalan cyanide gold mine project."

The platform's statement stated that the company's 3,290-page Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) file was reviewed by a technical committee comprised of engineers, physicians, and lawyers. However, objections were submitted, but the Ministry ignored all of these opinions. The statement emphasized that the process was not conducted impartially and that institutions, particularly Provincial Director Hikmet Çelik, acted in favor of the company.

Platform members stated that thousands of signatures were collected at the stands and during visits to the mining area as part of the "Eskişehir Will Not Be a Mining Dump" campaign, which was launched last week, and gave the following message:

•“The people of Eskişehir do not approve the Alpagut-Atalan cyanide gold mine project!” •“They do not approve the plundering of their forests, streams and living spaces for the sake of capital!” •“They do not approve the forests that have been destroyed by fires to be destroyed once again by mines!” •“While the danger of drought is imminent, they do not approve the transfer of our water to mines!”

Following the statement, platform members delivered the signatures to the relevant institutions.