Amasya coal mine closures leave 294 miners unemployed

Production has ceased at two coal mining sites in the Çeltek region of Amasya, spanning the Merzifon and Suluova districts, resulting in the unemployment of 294 miners. The operator, Yeni Anadolu Madencilik, terminated the workers' contracts citing technical and financial reasons.

Local labor representatives and union leaders have criticized the decision. Cemil Güven, Suluova Branch President of the Maden-İş Union, noted that the area contains more than 16 million tons of coal reserves and emphasized that the 75-year-old operation should continue to provide livelihoods. Ayturan Küpçü, the Amasya Provincial President of Türk-İş, also expressed concern regarding the impact on the families of the displaced workers.

The layoffs have caused significant distress among the workforce, many of whom participated in search and rescue operations for 25 days following the February 6 earthquakes. Workers have called for government and public support to address their sudden loss of income.