COLEMÊRG – The ongoing mining activities in Colemêrg (Hakkari) negatively affect water resources, agriculture and animal husbandry. Ismet Olmez, a member of the AKP, is one of the leading plunderers in the banned areas on the grounds of “security”. 

 

Colemêrg, located on the border of Iran and the Federated Kurdistan Region, has been the target of mining companies for many years. Mining activities in the city have increased significantly especially during the AKP period. 

 

While the habitats of living creatures are being destroyed one by one, Ismet Olmez from AKP is one of the leading companies carrying out mining activities. Olmez was a mayoral candidate for the city centre from AKP in the last local elections, and he has been mining in many areas since the early 2000s. Olmez Meskan Mining Company has caused serious damage to the nature of the city so far. Mining activities are concentrated in the villages Marunis and Cemka. 

 

161 MINING LICENCES

 

In the response to the parliamentary question submitted by Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party Colemêrg MP Oznur Bartin to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, it was stated that there are 161 mining licences in the city. 

 

It was shared that 127 of these licences are for exploration and 34 of them are operation. The Ministry also noted that only 21 of the 16 existing mining licences have operating permits. However, there are at least 39 mining companies active in the area. 

 

The companies profit from minerals such as zinc, lead, copper, gold and chrome. Mining waste is usually disposed of in the city's water sources. In the regions where mining activities are carried out, forested areas are destroyed, while agriculture and animal husbandry are also negatively affected. In addition, mountainous areas are destroyed by tunnels.

 

ACTIVITY IN PROHIBITED AREAS

 

Entry to the areas where mining sites are located is prohibited. The areas, which are generally banned on “security” grounds, are guarded by soldiers. Journalists or people from different walks of life are prevented from entering the area. 

 

RESISTANCE YIELDED RESULTS

 

In recent years, reactions against mining activities have increased. Marunis residents started a 50-day vigil a while ago. The lawsuit filed by the village residents for the cancellation of the mining licence is ongoing. Van 5th Administrative Court issued a "stay of execution" decision. The request for the cancellation of the licence will be evaluated in the following process.