Forests, rivers and mountains across Turkey are being destroyed by mining companies — many of them based in Canada, the Netherlands, and the UK.

 

Using cyanide, explosives and massive deforestation, these companies extract gold at a devastating cost to ecosystems and human health.

 

Some examples:

 

Virtus Mining (Dutch) – Operating in Yozgat

 

SSR Mining / Anagold (Canadian + Turkish Lidya) – Responsible for a mine disaster in Erzincan

 

Centerra Gold (Canada) – Active in Kayseri

 

Alamos Gold (Canada) – Destroyed 347,000 trees in Kaz Mountains

 

Teck Cominco & Liberty Gold (Canada) – Partnered with Turkish companies in Çanakkale and Fatsa

 

 

These activities often occur without proper local permits, and local mayors have reported companies entering protected areas without their knowledge or approval.

 

We are calling on:

 

Full transparency on mining permits and environmental impact

 

Accountability for Canadian and international companies operating abroad

 

Ban on cyanide-based gold mining in Turkey

 

Respect for local communities, indigenous lands, and ecosystems

 

 

💚 If you believe forests are global treasures, please sign this petition.

We call on environmental defenders across the world:

Let’s unite. Raise awareness. Stop the destruction.