Kaymaz gold mine expansion sparks debate over employment and political use of Atatürk

A public participation meeting regarding a capacity expansion project at the Kaymaz gold and silver mine in Sivrihisar, Eskişehir, has drawn both local support and political criticism. Türk Altın İşletmeleri AŞ is seeking to increase the capacity of its third waste dam, expand the Damdamca open pit, and add a flotation unit.

Kemal Öcal, the operations manager for the Kaymaz facility, stated that the expansion is a proactive measure to manage waste for the next 5-10 years. He noted that the project could potentially triple the current workforce of approximately 220 employees. Local residents expressed support during the meeting, citing the mine as a vital source of employment that has helped prevent youth migration from the area.

However, the Atatürkçü Düşünce Derneği (ADD) Eskişehir branch criticized the company for using a quote from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during the meeting. The company displayed a banner featuring Atatürk’s 1936 statement regarding mines being a primary source of foreign exchange. Mehmet Avci, the head of the ADD Eskişehir branch, condemned the move, stating that the company is attempting to seek legitimacy for mining operations by using Atatürk’s name and misinterpreting his broader economic and industrialization principles.