Cengiz Holding's new target is Akseki: environmental destruction will begin
Cengiz Holding, owned by Mehmet Cengiz, continues to cause environmental destruction. The company, which aims to expand its bauxite mining site in the Akseki region of Antalya, obtained a mining operating license for an area of 792.99 hectares and has applied to the Ministry of Energy for a capacity increase. The requested expansion plans to increase the current capacity by a staggering 1700 times.
Residents of Değirmenlik Village in Akseki are concerned as the bauxite mining operations approach the village settlement area. Bauxite mining operations can lead to serious health issues such as chemical burns, liver, and kidney damage. In a region rich in karstic water sources, it is expected that these sources will be harmed by the mining activities.
GIDENGELMEZ MOUNTAINS AND MOUNTAIN GOATS IN DANGER
The target mining area of Cengiz Holding also includes Gidengelmez Mountains, one of Antalya's natural wonders. These mountains are home to mountain goats, which are under threat of extinction. The company's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report suggests that methods such as "creating noise" may be used to drive wildlife away. This will not only harm the goats but also the rich vegetation and other animal species.
CENGIZ HOLDING'S ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION HISTORY
Cengiz Holding previously cut down over one million trees for gold and copper mining in Kazdağları. While continuing mining operations in several regions, including Samsun, Kastamonu, Giresun, Artvin, Adıyaman, Siirt, Izmir, and Mardin, these projects have caused serious environmental problems.
LOCAL PEOPLE AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISTS PROTEST
The local people in the Akseki region are protesting against environmental destruction. The resistance started by women in response to the environmental devastation in Kazdağları gained significant attention. However, protests in similar projects are often ignored.
MEHMET CENGIZ AND GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
Mehmet Cengiz, the owner of Cengiz Holding, has received a total of 41 billion 682 million dollars in government contracts over the past 21 years. According to the Forbes Turkey list of the wealthiest people in 2020, the net worth of Cengiz Holding's owners is at least 2.2 billion dollars. The company also stands out as one of the top three companies in the world for securing the most public tenders, according to World Bank reports.
THREAT TO VEGETATION AND ECOSYSTEM
The rich vegetation and karstic structure in the Akseki region will be damaged due to mining activities. Such large-scale disruption of the ecosystem will not only affect the region but also harm surrounding living areas in the long term.
