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Mining Operations on Ordu Plateau Extend to Settlements, Sparking Resident Protests and Fear
🇹🇷 Turkey /Culture & Society

Mining Operations on Ordu Plateau Extend to Settlements, Sparking Resident Protests and Fear

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Residents of Ordu's Perşembe Plateau are protesting ongoing mining exploration activities that have encroached upon their settlements and pastures.
  • Locals are concerned about environmental damage and the disruption of their way of life, particularly due to noise and the proximity of drilling operations.
  • The presence of gendarmes accompanying the mining machinery has caused unease and fear among residents, who are demanding transparency and protection of their living spaces.

Mining exploration activities in the Turnalık area of Ordu's Perşembe Plateau have escalated, reaching directly into residential areas and causing significant distress among locals. The ongoing drilling operations, managed by Taşzemin, a subsidiary of Taşyapı, have expanded to the point where heavy machinery is now operating near settlements and pastures.

We live with the fear: 'Are they going to grab us by the arm and take us to the station? Did we do something wrong? Why are they here?'

— Yayla sakinleri (Plateau residents)Describing the fear and anxiety caused by the presence of gendarmes during mining operations.

Residents express deep concern over the potential environmental impact and the disruption to their daily lives. The expansion of the mining site means that drilling is getting closer to their homes, farms, and livestock grazing areas. This proximity has led to worries about damage to the plateau's natural landscape and agricultural lands, a vital part of the local economy and identity.

A particularly unsettling aspect for the community is the presence of gendarmes accompanying the work machinery. Locals question the role of law enforcement in these private mining operations and feel intimidated by their presence. This has created a climate of fear, with residents reporting anxiety about potential repercussions for voicing their concerns or even for simply being in their homes while soldiers patrol the area.

Our psychology is shattered.

— Yayla sakinleri (Plateau residents)Expressing the mental distress caused by the ongoing mining activities and security presence.

"Our psychology is shattered," stated one resident, describing the constant fear and unease. "We can't even walk into our homes with slippers anymore. Our soldier sons, but we are uneasy about them. We live with the fear: 'Are they going to grab us by the arm and take us to the station? Did we do something wrong?'"

Our soldier sons, but we are uneasy about them. We live with the fear: 'Are they going to grab us by the arm and take us to the station? Did we do something wrong? Always that fear.

— Yayla sakinleri (Plateau residents)Explaining their unease about the gendarmes patrolling their settlement.

The community is demanding transparency from authorities regarding the mining operations and seeking assurances for the protection of their living spaces and the unique environment of the plateau. The situation has reignited discussions about environmental protection and the right to life in the region.

The soldier should not wander inside the settlement, we will call him when we want him.

— Yayla sakinleri (Plateau residents)Stating their preference for security presence only when requested.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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