Turkish mining expansions in Burdur and Yatağan approved despite environmental concerns

A chrome mining project near Burdur received a positive environmental impact assessment, allowing the mine’s footprint to increase from 635.3 to 721.2 hectares. The plan calls for the removal of plant‑soil over roughly 2.87 million m², while noting the presence of 132,358 trees in the area. After completion, the operator intends to re‑plant at least 661,790 trees. The investment is estimated at 17.83 million Turkish lira, with an expected operational life of about ten years and the generation of roughly 24.9 million m³ of waste rock.

In Yatağan, Muğla, the Travertinebros Doğal Taş Madencilik A. Ş. marble quarry is set to triple its capacity, expanding the licensed area from 24.94 to 67.93 hectares. Production would rise to 350,000 m³ per year, creating an estimated 5.5 million m³ of waste rock over the project’s life. The site lies within a forested zone that hosts protected plant species and 60 bird species listed under the Bern Convention, and it is only 110 m from the nearest residence. Both projects have sparked criticism from local communities and environmental groups over deforestation, habitat loss, and potential pollution.