Turkey faces community protests over waste facility in Bursa and mining project in İzmir

In the Nilüfer district of Bursa, residents, the Nilüfer Kent Council and local NGOs held a press briefing to oppose the planned Katı Atık Geri Kazanım ve Bertaraf Tesisi at Kayapa. They argued the site had not been studied since 2015, that rapid population growth would increase environmental impact, and warned of odor, dust and risks to water‑treatment plants. Local muhtars and the council’s chairman Mustafa Berkay Aydın stressed the need for democratic re‑evaluation of the project.

In Kemalpaşa district of İzmir, villagers from Yukarı Kızılca, Aşağı Kızılca and Örnekköy gathered to protest a proposed zinc‑lead mine by Volcan Metal Madencilik Sanayi AŞ. Engineer Alim Murathan said, “GERÇEK ZENGİNLİĞİMİZ YERİN ÜSTÜNDEDİR,” emphasizing that the mine would threaten forests, water, soil and community health. The mayor, Mehmet Türkmen, warned that the project would harm the entire district and called for a united “Madene hayır” stance.