# Turkish gold mining environmental protests > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-gold-mining-environmental-protests > Updated: 2026-10-22T10:39:24.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Environmental groups and political figures in Turkey are protesting gold mining operations due to ecological and water security concerns. In the Karapınar district of Konya, activists from platforms including TÜRÇEP and İÇAÇEP have called for an immediate halt to open-pit drilling by Esan, a subsidiary of the Eczacıbaşı Group. Protesters warn the project poses an “ecocide” risk, potentially worsening sinkhole formation, groundwater depletion, and heavy metal poisoning. In the Artvin province, opposition has centered on cyanide-based extraction methods. In the Arhavi district, political representatives have called for a ban on cyanide use, citing threats to forests and drinking water. This resistance has manifested in the Murgul district, where members of the Murgul Siyanüre Hayır Platform, local mayors, and citizens held a march to protest cyanide leaching pools. Local representatives noted that community resistance against Cengiz Holding’s mining practices has been a long-standing struggle since 2014. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-22: Murgul residents protest cyanide leaching pools Protesters and local officials in Murgul, Artvin, marched to demand an end to cyanide leaching pools used in local mining operations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/murgul-residents-protest-cyanide-leaching-pools ### 2026-10-11: Turkey mining protests escalate over environmental and water risks Environmental groups and politicians in Turkey are protesting gold mining projects in Konya and Artvin, citing risks of sinkhole formation, water scarcity, and cyanide contamination. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-mining-protests-escalate-over-environmental-and-water-risks --- Cite as: Turkish gold mining environmental protests. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-gold-mining-environmental-protests