The Eskişehir Nature and Life Platform made a statement in front of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change against the cyanide gold mine project that Eti Bakır A.Ş., affiliated with Cengiz Holding, plans to implement within the borders of Alpagut and Atalan neighborhoods.

Speaking during the 2nd Review and Evaluation Commission (IDK) meeting held regarding the project, platform member Meltem Oktay emphasized that the mine is located only 4 km away from the Sakarya River and that the area is of critical importance due to its agricultural and biological diversity. Meltem Oktay stated that if the project is realized, fertile agricultural lands and water resources would be destroyed and that cyanide and heavy metals would cause serious harm to the environment and human health.

Reminding that there are environmental risks such as 28 endemic plant species, 128 bird species, and proximity to a first-degree archaeological site in the region, Meltem Oktay said the project poses a serious threat not only to nature but also to human health.

The platform declared that, just as in the Public Participation Meeting held last year, their struggle would continue. Meltem Oktay also noted that the omnibus bill submitted to Parliament aims to open many natural areas, including olive groves, forests, and wetlands, to mining activities, adding: “What those who bring these legislative proposals don’t know is the determination and perseverance of us, the defenders of nature and life.”