Kemalpaşa residents protest mining near drinking‑water source

Volcan Metal Madencilik Sanayi A.Ş. resumed drilling for a zinc‑lead mine in the Yukarı Kızılca neighbourhood of Kemalpaşa, İzmir. Local officials and residents say the licence is not new and warn that the mining site sits directly above the groundwater that supplies drinking water to about 8‑9 000 people in Kemalpaşa, Örnekköy and Aşağıkızılca.

CHP municipal council member Ahmet Cemil Balyeli highlighted the limestone geology that allows any contamination to reach the water quickly, and urged that even minimal pollution would affect the supply. The community has organized a press conference, launched an online petition, and filed legal complaints with the DSİ, İzSU and the district governor, demanding the cancellation of the exploration licence and the halt of mining activities.