Report:
With the approval from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Alinda Mining has been granted permission to expand its current mining operation by almost sevenfold, covering an area of 148 hectares. To put this into perspective, the size of the mining area is equivalent to approximately 210 football fields, with each football field measuring 0.71 hectares. The mining activities will focus on extracting feldspar, which is commonly used in glass and ceramics production. It is important to note that the designated mining area includes both agricultural and forested land.
The expansion of Alinda Mining’s mining operation is of concern due to its location within the Büyük Menderes Basin. This basin plays a significant role in meeting the water needs for agricultural and tourism activities. The extraction of minerals in this area may have potential negative impacts on the availability and quality of water resources, which can directly affect the local agriculture and tourism sectors.
Furthermore, the project site is home to various animal species that are protected under the “Convention on the Protection of Europe’s Wildlife and Habitats,” a treaty signed in Switzerland, in which Turkey is a participating party. These animal species require strict protection measures to ensure their conservation and preservation.
ESG Risks:
1. Environmental Risk: The expansion of the mining operation may lead to environmental degradation, particularly in terms of land use, water resources, and biodiversity conservation.
2. Social Risk: Local communities dependent on agriculture and tourism may face adverse impacts from the mining activities, such as loss of livelihoods and potential displacement.
3. Governance Risk: The approval of the mining expansion raises questions about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight and decision-making processes.
Vulnerable Groups:
1. Local communities dependent on agriculture and tourism may be vulnerable to the negative impacts of the mining activities.
2. Animal species protected under the “Convention on the Protection of Europe’s Wildlife and Habitats” may be at risk due to the mining operations.
Organisations:
1. Alinda Mining: The company responsible for the mining operation and seeking expansion.
2. Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change: The governing body that granted approval for the expansion.
3. Büyük Menderes Basin: The region where the mining activities are taking place.
4. Convention on the Protection of Europe’s Wildlife and Habitats: The treaty that sets guidelines for protecting wildlife and habitats, which Turkey is a participating party.
Sectors:
1. Mining: The mining sector is directly involved in the ESG risk identified.
2. Agriculture: The agriculture sector may be affected by potential impacts on water resources.
3. Tourism: The tourism sector may be affected by potential impacts on water resources, which are vital for tourism activities.
Keywords:
Alinda Mining, mining operation, expansion, hectares, football fields, feldspar, glass, ceramics, agricultural areas, forest areas, Büyük Menderes Basin, water resources, agriculture, tourism, animal species, Convention on the Protection of Europe’s Wildlife and Habitats, environmental risk, social risk, governance risk.