Ordu faces cyanide and heavy metal pollution from mining

Environmental concerns are rising in Ordu, Turkey, due to extensive mining and quarrying activities. Data from organizations like the TEMA Foundation indicates that 70% to 80% of the province's rural and highland areas are covered by mining search and operation licenses.

In the Fatsa district, specifically in the Yukarıtepe and Bahçeler villages, an open-pit gold mine that utilized cyanide has left a significant environmental footprint. Despite its closure following incidents at other sites, the area remains affected by a decade of mining exploration. Investigations have identified toxic levels of heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium, in soil and water samples.

These activities are impacting the local economy and ecosystem. Dust from mining operations is settling on hazelnut crops, hindering pollination and reducing yields. Additionally, chemical waste and loss of biodiversity are contributing to bee deaths in a region known for high honey production. The resulting pollution and heavy metal contamination have also been linked to respiratory issues among local residents.