The ecocide accelerated by mining activities in Kurdistan poses a serious threat not only economically but also with its socio-cultural consequences. In this scope, the mining projects implemented by Koza Holding in the Golan (Göle) district of Ardahan pose a danger to the ecosystem in the region and the living spaces of the local people.

Koza Gold Enterprises Mining Company wants to plunder the lands of Haraba (Büyük Altunbulak), Gundik (Koyunlu), Sekî (Kuytuca) and Girdamal (Durucasu) villages in Golan as a mining site, using the open pit method for silver and copper extraction. The gold and copper mining licence granted to Koza Gold Enterprises Incorporated Company for this area seriously threatens the ecosystem of the region and the lives of the local people.

The local people point out that the mining activities will lead to environmental disasters and that the use of dynamite will damage groundwater, agriculture, animal husbandry and beekeeping will be hit hard. In addition, the fact that the Şimşimik Stream passes within 146 metres of the mine and the living areas are only 150 metres away poses a danger.

As part of a strategy common in the region, this project is an important example of the depletion of underground resources and the destruction of nature. While such projects cause the migration of the people of the region and the deterioration of economic and ecological balances, the state allows the destruction of nature in violation of international and national legal rules. For this reason, a legal struggle against this plunder has been initiated with a lawsuit filed with the Kars Administrative Court, and the cancellation of the licence and the stay of execution are demanded.

Negativities in the EIA process

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process carried out for the mining activities to be initiated in Golan district harbours significant negativities. Experts emphasise that the licence, which was granted without evaluating the EIA report together with other mining projects in the region, may cause irreversible damage to agriculture, animal husbandry and natural resources. Furthermore, the report reveals once again that mining activities may pollute underground and surface waters and cause serious damage to local ecosystems and therefore the licence should be cancelled.

Earthquake risk and geological threats

Experts state that the area in Golan where the mine site is situated is located on an active fault line. According to the live fault map prepared by Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA), this fault line carries a serious earthquake risk. The 5.2 magnitude earthquake centred in Göle in 2022 revealed how geologically sensitive the region is. Experts underline that mining activities could trigger new earthquakes on this fault line, and in the light of these risks, the demand for the cancellation of the licence and the cessation of mining activities will serve the purpose of protecting not only ecological but also human life.

Threats to water resources

The mining projects of Koza Gold Enterprises Incorporated Company also pose serious threats to the water resources in the region. In particular, the risk of pollution of water resources such as the Şimşimik Stream and Kura River stands out as the biggest concern of mining activities. The degradation of local ecosystems may lead to the extinction of endemic plant species and local fish populations. Species unique to Golan, such as the scavenger fish and the whiskered fish, are at risk of being directly affected by these activities. Such environmental destruction could threaten not only the biodiversity of the region, but also human health.

Effects on agriculture and animal husbandry

Golan district is particularly known for cattle breeding and beekeeping. The production of the region's unique kashar cheese and organic honey is possible with the protection of these natural riches. However, mining activity can negatively affect these production processes. The mines may pollute groundwater, reduce the productivity of agricultural lands and force the local people, who rely on animal husbandry, to migrate. The mining activities in İliç, Erzincan are a concrete example of how they destroy local production processes and pose a similar threat to Golan.

Environmental associations, civil society organisations, political parties and the local population are reacting strongly against mining projects in Golan. Legal battles are being waged to highlight the environmental and health hazards of mining activities. Meetings, protests and panel discussions are organised to raise public awareness about the impact of mining on nature and human life, and to build social solidarity against these activities. The civic dynamics of the city see this struggle not only as a struggle for environmental protection, but also as a struggle for survival for the future of the local people.

International conventions and protection commitments

Turkey is committed to protecting biodiversity through international agreements such as the 1979 Bern Convention and the 1992 Rio Convention on Biological Diversity. However, it is a fact that the mining project in the Golan does not comply with the requirements of these conventions. Mining projects carried out in disregard of these commitments required by international law reveal once again that Turkey disregards its environmental responsibilities and legitimises the massacre of nature for the profit motive of companies.

Koza holding and exploitation policies

Mining activities, which are particularly intensified in the region, are considered by experts and environmental organisations as exploitation of underground riches. These projects are carried out at the expense of depleting natural resources and destroying ecosystems. The mining policies implemented by the state in these regions violate international and national laws and put human life on the back burner. Koza Holding is used as a ‘battering ram’ in this process, leading to the plunder of the riches in the region. The use of hazardous chemicals such as cyanide in mineral exploration poses great threats to the environment and human health and is considered an unacceptable violation.