Turkish PM to meet committee to discuss gold mine protest

ANKARA

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu will meet a committee from Turkey’s northeastern region Artvin to discuss their latest protest over mining projects Wednesday, Turkish Prime Ministry sources said Tuesday.

According to the sources, Davutoglu will hold a meeting with Artvin province’s governor, mayor, parliamentarians and representatives of a nongovernmental organization named Green Artvin Association.

Last week, Davutoglu held meetings with Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Berat Albayrak, Interior Minister Efkan Ala, Minister of Forestry and Water Affairs Veysel Eroglu over the issue.

Residents of Cerattepe area in mountainous Artvin province have been protesting against gold mines, claiming it damages the natural beauty of the region.

Eti Bakir Inc., the company that runs mines in Cerattepe, said the gold will be extracted via a closed mine processing system and will be carried through cable carts without the damage to the environment.

According to the company, only 3,500 trees will be cut in the area for the whole project.

ANKARA

Last week, Davutoglu held meetings with Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Berat Albayrak, Interior Minister Efkan Ala, Minister of Forestry and Water Affairs Veysel Eroglu over the issue.

Residents of Cerattepe area in mountainous Artvin province have been protesting against gold mines, claiming it damages the natural beauty of the region.

According to the company, only 3,500 trees will be cut in the area for the whole project.