71 percent of Artvin province is mining licensed

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA) - Archive

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The Turkish Foundation for Combating Erosion Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats (TEMA) has prepared a report on the mining activities in Turkey's Black Sea province of Artvin.

Especially the past years in Artvin have been marked by the attempts to construct hydroelectric power plants and open new mines as well as the struggle of life defenders against these attempts.

Prepared within this context, the report of the foundation has shown that 71 percent of Artvin is currently mining licenced.

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Having prepared similar reports about Mount Ida in western Turkey and Muğla province in the Mediterranean region, the TEMA's latest report about Artvin has shown that Artvin has been divided into 521 parts.

Amendments to Mining Law

In a statement released by the foundation about the issue, it has been underlined that "the natural life, pasturelands, human health and an ancient culture are faced with extinction threat due to mining activities."

According to TEMA, the reason behind the increase in the rates of mines in the province is the amendments introduced to the Mining Law.

Reiterating that the growing mine sites pose a danger to both Artvin and human health, the foundation has briefly said:

One of the rarest geographies of Anatolia with its different ecosystems, rich diversity of species and its ancient culture molded with nature, Artvin's 71 percent is mining licensed. Divided into 521 licenses as a result of the amendments introduced to the Mining Law, Artvin's natural life, pasturelands, human health and ancient culture are faced with extinction threat due to mining activities.

(SO/AÖ/SD)