Gold Mine Project in Western Turkey Faces Strong Local Opposition

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The planned construction of gold mine in northwest Turkey by Canadian miner Alamos Gold is seen facing increased opposition from locals. This follows complaints of massive deforestation and plans by the company to use cyanide in the production process.

According to reports, nearly 5,000 people gathered to protect against the Kirazli mining project, located in the forested region near Mount Ida. They alleged that the local subsidiary of the Canadian company has violated rules by cutting down more trees than allowed by the government. The authorities had initially allowed cutting roughly 45,000 trees, but this number was even reduced later. However, the company is estimated to have cut down nearly 197,000 trees at the site.

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The protestors alleged that the widespread deforestation activities by the company cause severe threat to the region’s plant and animal species. Meanwhile, company authorities noted that the allegations are baseless and that a big component of the $5 million paid as part of forestry permit will go for reforestation acts. Further, only governmental bodies were allowed to cut trees, it noted.

Locals also warned that a potential cyanide leak could damage the environment and lead to contamination of local fresh water supplies.

Alamos Gold stated that cyanide will be added only in the final step of the extraction process and that it has taken adequate steps to prevent leaks.