ANKARA — Residents of Kırşehir are strongly opposing plans to open gold mines by Koç Holding and Fernas Construction, fearing the project will dry up natural resources, devastate agriculture and livestock, and cause ecological disasters. 

 

The proposed mining area spans nearly 6 thousand hectares of farmland and pasture across Boztepe district and the villages of Körpınar, Çimenli, Kızılcaköy, and Örcün. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the project has been postponed twice. Initially started in 2013, the project’s EIA report was rejected on December 20, 2024, due to deficiencies, and the second application on August 5, 2025, was also denied. The latest evaluation meeting was postponed again.

 

Kırşehir residents traveled to Ankara to demand the project’s cancellation.

 

‘WE WILL PROTECT OUR WATER AND SOIL’

 

Nevzat Ozer, Ankara Representative of the Turkish Foundation for Combating Erosion, Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats (TEMA), warned the mine would threaten Kırşehir’s drinking water sources. 

 

He said: “The region already faces water shortages and cuts. This mine could leave Kırşehir completely without water. Nearby Malya Plain is a vital agricultural area, relying on underground water that will be reduced and polluted by mining chemicals and dust. Seyfe Lake, also nearby, is at risk. We cannot stay silent as our nature, water, history, and culture are harmed.”

 

FARMERS SOUND ALARM

 

Semine Seker Turk, a farmer and livestock breeder for 15 years, expressed her concerns: “We produce food for our children and grandchildren, but feed is scarce and expensive, water is running out. What will we do if we don’t have enough fodder by spring?” She criticized the state for ignoring local people while enabling mining companies, adding: “They burn forests and push away people and animals, then pave the way for mining companies.”

 

‘HUMANS NEED NATURE, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND’

 

Semine Seker Turk emphasized that toxic mining chemicals threaten Kızılırmak River and the Black Sea Basin, with nearly 2 thousand wells drilled at 400 meters depth risking contamination of soil and water. She concluded: “If the mine proceeds, agriculture and livestock will collapse. Tens of thousands will suffer hunger and thirst. Seyfe Lake has dried up and remaining waters will be poisoned. People must unite to save our land, water, and future.”

 

‘MINING WILL END LIVESTOCK FARMING’

 

Yusuf Erdogan, a local farmer, said 60 per cent of Kırşehir is open to mining exploration. “Our town is small and charming, but drilling is reducing our water resources. This mining will destroy our water, fields, and farms. The economy will collapse. Cyanide poisoning could reach the Black Sea. The land will turn to desert, huge pits will appear, and not even birds will fly over. We say no to mining,” he said. 

 

FEARS OF ECOLOGICAL DISASTER

 

Mahmut Kayisli from Çimenli village warned of a major environmental disaster worse than previous ones: “This mine will consume the scarce underground water and leave nothing for us. Agriculture, livestock, and farming will end. We will not allow expropriation. Our future, water, and soil are more valuable than gold beneath the earth.”

 

CALL FOR UNITY TO PROTECT NATURE

 

Ibrahim Mert of the Central Anatolia Platform stressed the urgent need for water over mining and appealed for government intervention to stop the “nature massacre,” hoping for license cancellations to protect future generations. 

 

Dursun Cakir, President of the Kırşehir Residents’ Union and Culture Association, criticized the mining law for victimizing the region and said: “Our lands are being poisoned, fruit trees and animals harmed. We don’t need gold but healthy food and clean nature. Concrete towers don’t feed anyone. Without health and a liveable environment, no wealth matters.”