Landfillslide in gold mine in Erzincan: Nine people unreachable

A “landfill”slide occurred in a wide area where a gold mine is located in Erzincan. Nine people are unreachable. The name of the mine is Çöpler Anagold Gold Mine. The active mine has been operated for 12 years, in partnership with U.S.-based SSR Mining and Çalık Holding’s subsidiary Lidya Madencilik.

Governor Hamza Aydoğdu stated, “There are people trapped underground, the exact number is not clear.” Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya noted that nine people in the region could not be reached.

INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç announced that an investigation has been launched and four public prosecutors have been assigned.

Regarding the landslide, the company made the following statement:

“At our Anagold Çöpler Gold Mine operation, we would like to share our deep sadness over the landslide that occurred in our heap leach area around 14:28 on Tuesday, February 13th. In this challenging period, we would like to reiterate that the health and safety of our employees and contractors are our top priority.

Immediately following this unfortunate incident, we promptly contacted our employees in the region, activated our emergency response plan, and informed relevant public institutions and organizations. Following the emergency briefing to Anagold’s emergency response teams and AFAD units, necessary security measures were taken in the area where the incident occurred, and rapid action was taken for all interventions.”