Company cuts down trees to extend gold mine in Black Sea region

* Photos: Ünye/Üçpınar Resistance

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Altıntepe Mining Company, mining gold with cyanide in a forest area in Bahçeler Neighborhood in Fatsa, Ordu, cut down trees to extend its mine before the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was completed.

Fatsa Forestry Department's efforts to cut down trees in the area were stopped by the Ordu Environment Association as well as the representatives of various organizations and political parties.

4,862 trees cut down

In a message shared on the Ünye/Üçpınar Resistance platform's social media account, it was is, "As far as we have been most recently informed, the people of Fatsa filed a criminal complaint after 4,862 trees had been cut down. Without waiting for the judicial process and obtaining the necessary permissions, the private company cut 30-40 more trees."

The platform has indicated that "the mining company has left the area upon reactions" of the locals and life defenders.

Fatsa Bahçeler Köyü maden girişi bölgesinde hukuksuzca ağaç katliamı yapılıyor. Doğa koruyucu dostlarımız bölgede durumu inceliyor #DirenFatsa pic.twitter.com/dDMJe5T2i8

— Ünye/Üçpınar Direnişi (@direnucpinar) March 10, 2021

The operation period of the company in Fatsa has expired twice; but it has not left the area. Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Ordu MP Mustafa Adıgüzel examined the area and announced that the trees were numbered and there were efforts to extend the mining site.

Ordu MP Adıgüzel has brought the issue to the Parliamentary agenda as well. Indicating that trees were being cut down as of morning hours on March 10 to extend the mine, Adıgüzel has noted that he submitted his written applications and inquiries to the relevant authorities.

'They are committing a crime'

Adıgüzel has briefly stated the following:

"A massacre of trees and nature has started in Fatsa. 4,872 trees have been cut down in an unlawful manner. Those who have left Mount Ida have come down on Fatsa. It is an insult to Fatsa.

"Citizens are asking for help to protect the forest and environment from the gangs of interest taking root within the state. We submitted Parliamentary questions over and over again to prevent this unlawfulness.

"The Ministry, the directorate general and local authorities... The local forestry operation department is committing a crime here in a very obvious manner. The authorities on duty in the name of the nation are subcontracting for the gold mine company. They are committing a massacre with a fait accompli. They launch an attack in the early morning hours like execution teams, like occupational imperialists."

Ordu Environment Association, defining the cutting of trees as illegal, has announced that it will file a criminal complaint against the ones who cut the trees and the ones who make them cut the trees. (SO/SD)