Turkey has revoked the environmental licenses of a gold mine operated by a subsidiary of SSR Mining Inc. in eastern Turkey, following a recent landslide that left nine workers trapped under debris.
The nation’s environmental ministry took the decision to terminate the miner’s environmental permissions and licenses, as confirmed in an official statement.
This action comes in the wake of an incident that resulted in the displacement of 10 million cubic meters of earth across a 200-meter slope. The workers who are still missing remain trapped beneath the soil, with Turkey’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stating on Saturday that rescue efforts are ongoing. Bayraktar also noted that tests conducted thus far have not shown any contamination in the nearby water sources.
Situated approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) east of Ankara, Turkey’s capital, the mine is operated by Anagold Madencilik, of which 80% is owned by Denver-based metals producer SSR Mining.
As authorities continue their investigation into the matter, six individuals, including a Canadian national, have been detained, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.
SSR Mining released a statement late on Friday, confirming the suspension of all operations at the mine. The company pledged to provide further updates as more information becomes available, including during the release of its 2023 financial results scheduled for February 21.
While the mine’s two licenses issued by Turkey’s Energy Ministry remain valid, the ministry has stipulated that production cannot resume until necessary measures are taken to address the landslide and waste management concerns in the area.
