# Mining and cyanide pollution concerns in Turkey > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mining-and-cyanide-pollution-concerns-in-turkey > Updated: 2026-09-26T11:31:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. Environmental concerns regarding mining activities in Turkey have surfaced in different regions, focusing on the impact of cyanide and heavy metal pollution. In Ordu, investigations into past open-pit gold mining in the Fatsa district have identified toxic levels of arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium in soil and water. These activities have reportedly impacted local agriculture by settling dust on hazelnut crops, hindering pollination, and contributing to bee deaths and respiratory issues among residents. In the Ağrı province, protests have emerged in the Diyadin district against proposed cyanide-based gold mining in the Mollakara region. Activists and political leaders from the DEM Party and the Mesopotamia Ecology Movement have warned that mining in the Murat Basin threatens the soil, air, and water, potentially polluting the Murat River and affecting the broader Euphrates and Mesopotamia regions. Protesters argue these operations threaten local agriculture and livestock, potentially forcing population migration. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Diyadin protesters oppose cyanide gold mining Protesters and DEM Party leaders held an ecology rally in Diyadin, Turkey, to oppose cyanide-based gold mining in the Murat Basin, citing risks to water, agriculture, and local livelihoods. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diyadin-protesters-oppose-cyanide-gold-mining ### 2026-09-06: Ordu faces cyanide and heavy metal pollution from mining Mining and cyanide use in Ordu, Turkey, have led to heavy metal contamination in water and soil, threatening hazelnut production, honeybees, and public health. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ordu-faces-cyanide-and-heavy-metal-pollution-from-mining --- Cite as: Mining and cyanide pollution concerns in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mining-and-cyanide-pollution-concerns-in-turkey