A grave environmental disaster has unfolded in Turkey, following a catastrophic landslide at a gold mine containing the country’s largest cyanide pool in the eastern Erzincan (Erzîngan) region.
The 14 February incident, which caused significant environmental damage, now directly threatens the Euphrates River, a critical water source for millions of people in several countries, and surrounding ecosystems with potential cyanide contamination, with alarming implications for Turkey, Syria, Iraq and beyond.
The destruction inside the gold mine was so severe that it caused a flood-like release of toxic substances, including cyanide. Cyanide is known to be lethal to living organisms. These toxins have now found their way into the Euphrates River. They pose an immediate threat not only to the ecosystem, but also to human health in the regions that depend on these waters.
Turkish authorities have been accused of concealing the scale of the disaster and failing to inform the local and international community of the risks.
The Environmental Authority in the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has expressed its concern in a public statement. It has described the incident as a “crime against nature and humanity”. The authority highlighted the rapid onset of negative impacts, particularly on the waters of the Euphrates River, which could manifest themselves in a very short time.
Given the potential for a far-reaching environmental and human impact, the authority appealed to global public opinion and international organisations specialising in environmental and climate issues. It is calling on these bodies to fulfil their obligations to protect the environment and vulnerable communities.