Three days after a mining disaster in Erzincan (Erzîngan), Turkey, concerns escalate as nine workers remain trapped beneath cyanide-laden soil following a landslide at the Anagold Mining site, a partnership between Canadian SSR Mining and Çalık Holding. Hüseyin Alan, the President of the Chamber of Geological Engineers, criticised the disregard for expert warnings, highlighting the risk of a prolonged environmental catastrophe involving contaminated water, soil and air if necessary measures are not implemented.
According to Alan, the landslide, consisting of materials washed with cyanide and sulphuric acid, threatens to pollute the Euphrates River, located merely 300 metres away from the mine. The incident follows a June 2022 breach where a cyanide-carrying pipe at the gold mine burst, releasing toxic waste into the İliç (Licik) Dam on the Euphrates River.
Despite repeated warnings from experts regarding the mine’s hazards, Alan stated that these concerns were dismissed by both the company and the authorities, who perceived the objections as hindrances to Turkey’s development. Following a cyanide leak in June 2022, the mine’s operations were halted for approximately 7-8 months by the Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Ministry, only to resume under the pretext of improved safety measures.
Alan raised alarms about the potential infiltration of cyanide and heavy metals into underground and surface waters, warning of the dire consequences for agriculture and public health in the region. He criticised the lack of stringent monitoring and enforcement by authorities, attributing the current crisis to the mining companies’ unchecked practices. Foreseeing a lasting pollution legacy without immediate and effective intervention, Alan urged a reassessment of Turkey’s mining policies to prevent future environmental and human tragedies.
