A planned meeting in Akbuk today (Thurs) to discuss proposals for a controversial marble quarry could not be held due to the protests from the public.

The meeting had been called to discuss the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) of the plans and for more information about the marble quarry, crushing and screening plant planned to be built by GZ Mining

In response to the reaction of the people of Akbük, company officials were said to have left the area without informing them about the project and without keeping a report. There was intense reactions from local citizens.

Representatives of mass organizations in Didim and Akbük, political parties and many citizens attended the EIA meeting .

The people protested the project with whistles and applause, often chanting ‘Don’t touch my air, my water, my soil!’ They protested the meeting by shouting slogans and holding banners in their hands.

When the company officials entered the area where the EIA meeting would be held, the public reacted with whistles and applause, shouting ‘Rent-profitable company, leave Akbük!’ shouted the slogan.

Company officials claimed that the people of Akbük would not listen to the project and left the area without taking a report. The people who attended the meeting signed their own minutes as a result of the company not explaining the project and not keeping minutes.

Making a statement on the subject, Didim Association President Filiz Hekimoğlu said, “As we told the authorities, we examined the project planned to be implemented in Akbük word by word, not line by line. When we examined it, of course, we noticed differences in the data, but we put aside the differences in the data and learned what the project could cause, we researched and found scientific data.

“I think they realized how ready we were for this, as a result of the protests made by the public before the meeting started. Because whatever you are up against, the more you know what you are up against, the more you will stand up against it.

“The people of Akbük and Didim showed this stance very clearly. I think they got their rights. Because they could not start the meeting in any way.”

She added: “It is obvious that the public participation meeting stage has not been held. Because no minutes were kept. The authorities had to make a report and leave. The Ministry official was definitely among them. We did not sign that report. They may request another meeting. They will be greeted in the same way.”

According to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) process was initiated for 21 mines on January 8.

– 6 of these mines are planned for Aydin province

– The ministry has initiated an EIA for a proposed marble quarry that GZ Madencilik wants to open on an area of 23.90 hectares in the Akbük District of Didim district.

– Although Didim Municipality and Aydın Provincial Directorate of Agriculture 4th Regional Directorate wrote opinions deeming the mine unsuitable in the forest area, the ministry still initiated the process.

– The forest area includes with shrubland characteristics, while olive, red pine and maquis type trees.