In response to a devastating landslide at a gold mine in Erzincan İliç in Turkey, Turkish Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has taken immediate action to mitigate the environmental threat. The incident, which occurred around 2 p.m. and resulted in nine workers being trapped under debris, has raised significant concerns over the potential contamination of the Euphrates River with millions of tons of cyanide-laden soil. The landslide took place at a site operated by Anagold Mining, specifically within the mine’s ore dumping area.
To prevent the flow of hazardous materials into the Euphrates, the ministry has sealed the culvert at Sabırlı Creek, where it joins the river, effectively blocking the passage of contaminated soil. “Following the landslide, we quickly mobilized our central and provincial Inspection Teams to the site. Our primary objective has been to prevent any contaminated material from reaching the Euphrates River, and to that end, we’ve closed the culvert at Sabırlı Creek,” stated a spokesperson from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
The ministry’s rapid response underscores the severity of the situation and the potential risk to the Euphrates River, a crucial water source in the region. Inspection teams remain on site, conducting ongoing efforts to manage the situation and prevent any environmental damage. The ministry has affirmed its commitment to closely monitor the developments and ensure the safety and cleanliness of the Euphrates River.
