Numerous Workers Unaccounted for Following Landslide at Turkish Gold Mine

A gold mine in eastern Turkey has been hit by a landslide, leaving nine people missing, according to authorities. Disturbing footage from the incident shows a large amount of mud sweeping through the valley where the Copler mine is situated. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya shared that rescuers from nearby provinces are aiding in the search for the trapped individuals. The mine is operated by the Anagold Mining company, which stated that the landslide occurred in the afternoon and promptly activated its emergency plan. Concerns have been raised that the cyanide stored in the mine could contaminate the surrounding area following the incident. This is not the first mishap at this particular mine, as a spillage of cyanide solution occurred in 2022, raising fears about the nearby Euphrates river. Situated in Erzincan province, the mine is located approximately 90km from the provincial capital city, Erzincan, and over 600km east of Ankara. Turkey has experienced a series of mining accidents in recent years, including an explosion in a coal mine in 2022 that claimed the lives of 42 people.