In the UVP report required for the capacity increase of the gold mine operated by Anagold Mining Company in the İliç district of Erzincan, the opinion of the 8th Regional Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) was requested in 2020. In the DSİ opinion on the matter, it was stated that a member of the Environmental and Urban Law Committee of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB) and lawyer of the Tunceli Bar Association, Barış Yıldırım, who stated in response, „that is not the case.“ He mentioned that the mining area is located directly next to the Euphrates, Turkey’s largest water reservoir.
Regarding the project area being in the Munzur Basin and the Euphrates Basin, the DSİ responded in the assessment by the relevant branch directorate as follows: „It was determined that the project area you specified is not within a random drinking and utility basin.“ Barış Yıldırım emphasized that the field is close to the Munzur Basin, directly adjacent to the Euphrates, and deemed the response unlawful.
Concerning the search for 9 workers trapped under the rubble in the landslide that occurred on February 13 at the Çöpler Gold Mine in the İliç district of Erzincan, the investigation in the region continues despite the suspension due to „landslide risk.“ When Anagold Mining company increased the mine’s capacity for the second time in 2020, the 8th Regional Directorate of DSİ was asked for an opinion to be included in the UVP report. The 8th DSİ Regional Directorate responded that „it is not in the drinking and utility basin.“ Barış Yıldırım, a member of the TBB Committee on Environmental and Urban Law and a lawyer of the Tunceli Bar Association, stated that the area lies within the Munzur Mountain ecosystem.
Barış Yıldırım expressed concern that the heavy chemicals used in the mining project pose significant risks to the basin. He highlighted the ecological value of the Munzur Basin, emphasizing the need to protect the unique ecosystem and wildlife in the region.
The incident of the landslide at the Çöpler Gold Mine in İliç, Erzincan, on February 13 was described, detailing the massive earth movement and the rescue efforts. Barış Yıldırım criticized the decision made during Murat Kurum’s term as Minister of Urbanization and Climate Change, emphasizing that the capacity increase without a UVP report was a questionable move.