Turkey mining sector sees fatal Zonguldak collapse and Tekirdağ workers' protest met with police violence

On 16 February a roof collapse at a private mine operated by Taşbaca Madencilik in Gelik, Zonguldak province killed two miners, Veysel Oruçoğlu and Ziya Kiret, and injured another worker who was rescued. The mine owner, Halil Demiröz, was detained and charged with negligent homicide; a court hearing later ordered his release while the case proceeds, with defence arguments that the true owner is a businessman named Hüseyin B.

In Tekirdağ, miners from Özşen Madencilik staged a walk‑out to demand unpaid wages, marching to the Kiremitçiler Group office. Police and gendarmerie repeatedly blocked the march, and video showed a police officer slapping a miner during the confrontation. The protestors continued the demonstration, pledging to maintain pressure and indicating a possible march to Ankara if demands are not met.