The rightful struggle of the people of the region against the planned bauxite mining (quarry) project in Eskiköy, in the Doğanşehir district of Malatya continues with determination. The people of Doğanşehir and Eskiköy once again loudly expressed that they will not step back against the project that threatens nature, water resources and habitats.
The people of Eskiköy, who have been facing the threat of a quarry for a long time, came together with representatives of the environmental platform and lawyers and evaluated the process in all aspects. Upon the request of the people of Eskiköy, a well-attended information meeting was held in a café in the center of Doğanşehir, and was attended by Yasemin Şahin, the head of Eskiköy; Kemal Bey, a resident of the village; Ferhat Bey, a lawyer who has been following the lawsuits since the beginning; Hasan Şahin, a retired teacher-writer on behalf of the Doğanşehir Balyan Villages Environmental Protection Platform; and Mazlum Kutlu, a representative of the platform.
At the meeting, the environmental destruction caused by the planned bauxite mine in the region was discussed in all its dimensions. It was stated that mining activities will irreversibly threaten agricultural areas, water basins, forest texture and human health. It was emphasized that the impacts such as dust, blasting, pressure on groundwater and disruption of the ecosystem will make the living conditions in the region unlivable.
Making a statement on behalf of the villagers after the meeting, Mazlum Kutlu, representative of Doğanşehir Balyan Villages Environmental Protection Platform, made harsh statements. Kutlu stated that the planned mining venture is not an investment but a clear rent project and said, “The bauxite mine planned to be opened in the Eskiköy region is a clear threat to our nature, human health and the right to life of all living creatures living in these lands. We declare to the public that we will not remain silent against this plunder.”.
Reminding that the people of the region have been making a living from agriculture and animal husbandry for years, Kutlu said that with the mining activity, this way of life will face the risk of extinction. “The name of this initiative is not investment, but rent. As always, the local people and nature are forced to pay the price,” Kutlu said.
It was also announced at the meeting that a joint decision was taken to initiate the legal process with the broad participation and support of the public. Emphasizing that no one has the right to see Eskiköy and Doğanşehir as an abandoned mining site, Kutlu said that they will not give up their struggle:
“No passage to rent. We will defend our nature, water, soil and healthy living spaces until the end. This struggle is not an individual but a social and legitimate resistance. It will be continued until the end, no matter what the cost.”
The people of Eskiköy and Doğanşeh emphasized that they will continue their struggle against the quarry project not only in the legal arena but also in the court of public opinion.
“No Passage to Rent”
The statement made to the public by Mazlum Kutlu on behalf of Doğanşehir Balyan Villages Environmental Protection Platform is as follows:
Dear friends, dear local people;
The bauxite mine planned to be opened in the Eskiköy region is clearly a threat to our nature, human health and the right to life of all living things in these lands. We openly declare to the public that we will not remain silent against this plunder.
Upon the request of the people of Eskiköy, a well-attended information meeting was held at the coffee house in the center of Doğanşehir. The meeting was attended by Ms. Yasemin, Head of Eskiköy, Mr. Kemal, one of our village residents, Mr. Ferhat, a lawyer who has been following our lawsuits since the beginning of the process, Hasan Şahin, a retired teacher-writer on behalf of the Doğanşehir Balyan Villages Environmental Protection Platform, and myself, Mazlum Kutlu.
At the meeting, the irreversible destruction that the bauxite mine will cause to the environment, the severe and permanent damages it will cause to human health and the effects it will have on the ecosystem were clearly and explicitly presented. The name of this initiative is rent, not investment, and the local people and nature are paying the price.
In this direction, it has been decided to start the legal process as soon as possible with the support of our people. No one can see Eskiköy, Doğanşehir and the people living in these lands as a mining site abandoned to its fate.
We say it here once again with emphasis:
No more rents!
We will defend our nature, water, soil and healthy living spaces until the end.
This struggle is a social and legitimate resistance, not an individual one, and will continue until the end.