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Massacre of nature: What impact will the relentless mining projects in Türkiye's Kaz Mountains have on the region's ecosystem?

By: Elvin


Introduction


 “Protecting the environment is a matter of reason.” Said The Leader Of The Turks.

The locals of the Kaz Mountains have been trying to bring His words to life since 2012. The 1,697,062 hectare Kaz Mountains Region, which has been of great importance for coal, metallic, gold and copper mining since 1987 due to its geological richness, attracts the attention of global and local companies aiming for high profit margins. Kaz Mountains are famous for their magnificent natural beauty. However, the ongoing mining projects for decades have been negatively affecting its ecosystem.



Background


Geographical & Biological Significance

 Kaz Mountains, the study area includes numerous nature conservation areas of varying status. The nature conservation areas in the study area are classified as natural protected areas, genetic protection areas, urban forests, conservation forests, national parks, nature parks, nature reserves, seed stands, and special environmental protection areas. These areas cover an aggregate of ​​69,235 hectares. Kaz Mountains with their around 800 plant species belonging to 101 families,among them are 77 endemic species in Türkiye,was declared a National Park in 1994, a Nature Conservation Area in 1998 and an aggregate of 3232 hectare 52 different areas are “On-Site-Genetic Resources Protection Area”. Addition to those declarations,The Kaz Mountains region, Karabiga coasts, Lake Manyas, the Dardanelles, the Biga Mountains, Kaz Mountains, the Babakale-Assos coasts, Ayvalık, and the Bakırçay  Delta hosts to Important Natural Areas, areas that have specific source and ecosystem for organisms to generic continuation. Including the Kaz Mountains, the study area includes numerous nature conservation areas of varying status. The nature conservation areas in the study area are classified as natural protected areas, genetic protection areas, urban forests, conservation forests, national parks, nature parks, nature reserves, seed stands, and special environmental protection areas. These areas cover an aggregate of ​​69,235 hectares. Some of the examples of biodiversity in the Kaz Mountains and their surroundings are Mediterranean Seal in Karabiga Shores, 37 plant taxa in Kaz Mountains and the list goes on.(TEMA,2020). 



Agricultural & Aqueous Significance

 43% of the Kaz Mountains consists of agricultural areas. The stream, originating in the Kaz Mountains, is effective in irrigating the region's agricultural lands. Thirty percent of the region's population earns its living from agriculture, and these regions are of great importance for Turkey's crops and product quality. Forty-four of the products cultivated in the province rank among the top 10 in Turkey in terms of production volume(TEMA,2020).The water resources of the region are not just streams, there are also basins and rivers in the region and they are important in preserving the natural balance.



 Mining In The Region

 According to the spatial distribution of industrial raw material mining licenses, 79% of the study area (active licenses and tender areas) has been licensed.The majority of special nature areas are included in the 79% reported. 41% of these licenses consist of active licenses. 57% of active licenses are in the exploration phase, and 43% are in the operating license phase. 38% of the licenses are licensed as tender areas. Only 21% of the entire study area has not been designated as a Group IV (industrial raw material) mining license area. According to 2019 data, it was expected that a total of 18,900 tons of cyanide and 420 tons of caustic would be used in the leaching area, where 13,125 tons of cement or lime would be used annually, and a total of 78,750 tons of cement or lime would be used annually.

  

Politics

 The mining constitution is constantly being amended and has been condemned for failing to offer lasting solutions and for its significant impact on worker and environmental health. Furthermore, it is stated that the draft, submitted to the judiciary, was drafted without the approval of authorized individuals, professional chambers, universities, and the industry.The absence of information in the constitution regarding the public processing of extracted minerals raises suspicion that the extracted minerals may fall into the hands of imperialist powers (TMMOB,2025). The statement "EIA is not required" in the Environmental Law means that the impacts of projects on the environment and society will no longer be investigated and taken into account (Atabey,2022).


Current Impacts


 With the enactment of the draft, mining projects were launched in Çanakkale and many other locations. With this regulation and the lack of oversight in these initiated projects, the destruction of natural areas will inevitably occur.It's reported that 423 applications for mining and energy projects have been submitted in the Kaz Mountains in the last 10 years, two-thirds of which have been approved, and 79% of the region has been licensed to mining companies. It's also noted that these areas, known as Türkiye's oxygen and water resources, are at risk.Due to mining operations around the Atikhisar Dam, there is a possibility that the dam may dry up.

Süheyla Doğan, a representative of the Kaz Mountains Natural and Cultural Heritage Protection Association, said, "The new law threatens not only nature but also water resources, olive groves, and the future of the local people.”( Kalenin Sesi,2025). 26% of the areas protected by various protection statuses, such as gene conservation, urban forest, conservation forest, seed stand, nature park, nature conservation area, national park, special environmental protection area, and natural protected area, have been designated as areas suitable for active mining.Likewise a large portion of KBA (Key Biodiversity Area) areas, which are of great importance in terms of biodiversity, are also under threat from mining activities(TEMA,2020).


Systems of The Injustice


Mobility of The Law

The subjection of mining law to constant changes for years and the opinions of the authorities have not been taken into account and the state of EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) that it is not necessary. No punishment given when the law is violated.


Lack of Superintendence

Concluding without proper environment based analysis and neglectful behaviors of mining companies toward the ecosystem. Also the lack of regular control of the state over the companies.


Lack of Importance Given To The Nature

Carelessness towards animals and plants which face extinction. Not expanding the protection areas.


Chemicals

Not limiting the chemicals released and their magnitude of their impact on nature and human health.



Solutions & Calls To Action


Although the project has progressed, there are still solutions;

  • People of Türkiye can try to show the real face of the problem to the world by using social media as they did before.

  • Non-profit, nature lover led organisations could be established to raise funds for the government to make nature parks to protect wildlife and prevent extinction if the government alone is not working.

  • The Environmental Law should be reopened for discussion with the authorities and the EIA article should be amended.

  • Those who use the law for their own purposes should be identified, a detailed investigation should be initiated, and mining licenses should not be issued.

  • The state should be the voice of the people and be able to stop projects when necessary, and develop projects focused on protecting wildlife and natural resources.

  • Conservation organisations should be able to take action once they become aware of the situation.

  • The mining law should be re-examined and rewritten by professors after criticism, and should not be changed by the authorities.

  • Limits should be imposed, taking into account the toxic properties of the substances and chemicals used, and penalties should be imposed when the limit is exceeded.



Conclusion

 In conclusion, endless mining projects in Türkiye’s one of the richest ecosystems, have been affecting wildlife and the natural resources negatively. As a result drought, extinction and chemical toxicity is inevitable. Unfortunately, the policies followed by the state are also bringing about the end of natural wealth. Although most of the area has begun to be destroyed, there are still things to do and precautions to be taken.



Resources

   BBC Türkçe. “Gold Mine and Environmental Debates in Mount Ida.” BBC News Türkçe, 1 Aug. 2019, https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/cvg704y70vyo

. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.


Çevre Hukuku. “What Does Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Mean in Mining?” Çevre Hukuku, 12 May 2022, https://www.cevrehukuku.org/2022/05/12/madencilikte-cevresel-etki-degerlendirmesi-ced-ne-anlama-geliyor/

. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.


Ege Forest Foundation. “Atatürk and His Love of Forests.” Ege Orman Vakfı, https://www.egeorman.org.tr/ataturk-ve-orman-sevgisi.aspx

. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.


Kalenin Sesi. “Water Shortage and Drought Are at the Door in Mount Ida.” Kaleninsesi Newspaper, 2023, https://www.kaleninsesi.com/kazdaglarinda-susuzluk-ve-kuraklik-kapida

. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.


. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.


T24. “The First Gold Mine License in Mount Ida Dates Back 32 Years: What Happened between 1987 and 2019?” T24, 6 Aug. 2019, https://t24.com.tr/haber/kaz-daglari-nda-verilen-ilk-altin-madeninin-ruhsati-32-yil-onceye-dayaniyor-1987-den-2019-a-uzanan-surecte-neler-oldu,838950

. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.


T24. “CHP’s Muharrem Erkek Sends a Letter to UNESCO about Mount Ida.” T24, 10 Sept. 2015, https://t24.com.tr/haber/chpli-muharrem-erkekten-unescoya-kaz-daglari-mektubu,306699

. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.


TEMA Foundation. Mount Ida Report. TEMA, 2019, https://cdn-tema.mncdn.com/Uploads/Cms/kaz-daglari-raporu_3.pdf

. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.


. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.


Turkish Veterinary Medical Association. “Cyanide in Gold Mining and Its Environmental Impacts.” TVHB, 23 Feb. 2024, https://tvhb.org.tr/2024/02/23/altin-madenciliginde-siyanur-ve-cevreye-zararlari/

. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.


YouTube. “Mount Ida Documentary.” Uploaded by [Channel Unknown], 2020, https://youtu.be/Ozmtm9E4XHw?si=GG-dqn-LnBwpNP52

. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025. 


 
 
 

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