# Turkey mining expansion and environmental controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-mining-expansion-environmental-controversy
> Updated: 2026-08-09T09:07:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

In early August 2026, CHP parliamentarians highlighted growing environmental threats in Turkey. Bursa MP Orhan Sarıbal warned of rising forest fire risks, citing data that 3,224 fires in 2025 damaged over 81,000 hectares, while Konya MP Barış Bektaş condemned an open-pit mining project in Sarayönü that allegedly lacks an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and threatens water and agricultural resources.

Despite these warnings, government authorities approved significant mining expansions. A chrome mine near Burdur received an EIA allowing its footprint to grow, with plans to replant over 660,000 trees following extraction. In Yatağan, a marble quarry's licensed area was tripled, prompting concerns regarding deforestation, habitat loss for protected species, and proximity to residential areas.

By August 9, the controversy expanded to the Yayladağı region. CHP official Yıldırım Kara reported that 75 facility projects are prepared in the area, with 34 either not requiring an EIA or having been declared exempt. Kara noted that several polluting facilities in the Yukarıokçular neighborhood operate without EIA approval. Local residents have reported increased respiratory diseases, loss of olive harvests, and negative impacts on livestock due to air pollution, traffic, and dynamite vibrations. Kara further criticized the use of earthquake reconstruction needs as a justification for expanding these mining operations.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-09: Yayladağı mining expansion sparks environmental concerns

CHP's Yıldırım Kara warns of environmental destruction in Yayladağı, citing 75 planned mining projects and significant ore extraction that threatens local health and agriculture.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yaylada-mining-expansion-sparks-environmental-concerns

### 2026-08-06: Turkish mining expansions in Burdur and Yatağan approved despite environmental concerns

Chrome and marble mining projects in Burdur and Yatağan, Turkey, received approvals to expand, prompting concerns over forest loss, protected species, and waste rock generation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-mining-expansions-in-burdur-and-yataan-approved-despite-environmental-concerns

### 2026-08-05: CHP lawmakers warn of rising forest fire damage and open‑pit mining threats in Turkey

CHP MPs Orhan Sarıbal and Barış Bektaş warned of increasing forest fire damage and a controversial open‑pit mining project in Turkey, urging stronger government action and environmental safeguards.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chp-lawmakers-warn-of-rising-forest-fire-damage-and-openpit-mining-threats-in-turkey

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Cite as: Turkey mining expansion and environmental controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-mining-expansion-environmental-controversy