By: Bianet

The trial concerning a fatal landslide at a gold mine in Erzincan, eastern Turkey, operated by Anagold, continued with its third hearing. The incident, which involved a cyanide-contaminated pile, resulted in the deaths of nine workers.

Forty-three defendants, including five who remain in detention, face charges of “causing death and injury by negligence” and “polluting the environment by negligence.” Among the accused are high-level executives from Anagold and its Canadian parent company, SSR Mining. The court decided to maintain the custody of the detained defendants and scheduled the next hearing for November.

Controversy Over Public Officials' Responsibility

A key point of contention is the responsibility of public officials. An initial expert report implicated officials who approved the mine's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including the former environment minister, as “principally at fault.” However, a subsequent report, ordered by the prosecutor’s office, exonerated these officials, leading to a decision of “no grounds for prosecution.” This reversal has triggered public backlash, and the family of one victim has appealed the decision to the Constitutional Court.

The victims’ families’ lawyer, Akçay Taşçı, criticized the proceedings, noting that many high-level defendants have avoided appearing in court in Erzincan, hindering the trial. He also stated that requests to access crucial company data, such as camera footage and communications, have been denied.

Company Operations and Compensation

Anagold has reported that the transfer of contaminated soil is complete and that preparations are underway for its permanent relocation. The company continues to pay salaries to approximately 400 workers and has offered compensation to the families of the victims, though two families have declined. According to an company official, SSR Mining has spent around $250 million in response to the disaster and extensive environmental sampling has not detected pollution exceeding regulatory limits.

Families Demand Justice

Duygu Yıldız, the sister of a deceased worker, condemned the lack of accountability for public officials and the company’s high-level executives. Her family rejected a compensation offer, stating that the agreement implied they would have to give up their lawsuit. “We want to uncover who was negligent,” she said. “We want a fair and genuine trial... We hope the state will stand with the weak and the oppressed, not favor the powerful.”