Declarations of the Canadian Ambassador
The Canadian Ambassador in Ankara, Kevin Hamilton, emphasized that Canada is not a partner of Anagold Madencilik, which operates the Çöpler Gold Mine where the cyanide landslide occurred in the İliç district of Erzincan. Hamilton stated, „We have seen reports in some media claiming that the mine where the landslide occurred belongs to Canada. This is not true. The mining operation in Erzincan is not owned by Canada.“ Around 2:00 PM, a landslide occurred in a large area where Anagold’s Çöpler Gold Mine is located in the İliç district of Erzincan. The Governor of Erzincan, Hamza Aydoğdu, mentioned that workers were trapped under the debris; CHP İliç District Chairman, Mesut Güz, reported that based on information from families, 10 to 15 workers have died. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced that four prosecutors have been assigned to the incident. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya mentioned that it is believed that nine people are trapped under the debris.
Incidents and Statements in the Mine
The Canadian Ambassador in Ankara, Kevin Hamilton, clarified that Canada is not a partner of Anagold Madencilik, which operates the Çöpler Gold Mine where today’s cyanide landslide occurred in the İliç district of Erzincan. In his written statement on this matter, Hamilton said, „The mine is a joint venture between Turkish and American companies. The American company SSR Mining is the result of the merger between a former Canadian company headquartered in Vancouver and a US-based company named Alacer Gold. The Erzincan mine of Alacer Gold is the main mine. The now dissolved Canadian company never owned the mine in Erzincan. The new merged company was named SSR Mining and established its headquarters in Denver, Colorado in 2020. Like many international mining companies, SSR Mining is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. However, this does not mean that it is a Canadian company. SSR Mining is also traded on the NASDAQ and the Australian Stock Exchange. Hamilton shared the following on his social media account: „Very sad news came from Erzincan. Our thoughts are with the stranded workers and their families. We are encouraged by the swift response of AFAD and the rescue teams continuing their heroic work. We have seen reports in some media claiming that the mine where the landslide occurred belongs to Canada. That is not true. The mining operation in Erzincan is not owned by Canada.“