Gold mining is a highly regulated industry operating under strict government oversight. An operating license is granted by the General Directorate of Mining Affairs under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, while the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report must be approved by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.
For all forest-related mining activities, including the management of trees within these areas, obtaining permission from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is mandatory. No activity may commence without official approval from the relevant authorities.
For areas temporarily used for mining within forest zones, it is a legal requirement to carry out rehabilitation works in accordance with the plan approved by the General Directorate of Forestry and to return these lands to the Forest Administration upon completion.
There are numerous examples in Türkiye where former mining areas have been successfully rehabilitated and restored to nature. During the establishment phase of the Karlık Gold and Silver Mine facilities, field works will be conducted strictly in line with the permits obtained.
Rehabilitation activities will be planned and implemented concurrently with mining operations, allowing affected areas to be gradually restored to their natural state throughout the operation. The final three years of the project will focus on intensive rehabilitation, forming the final reclamation phase. Within the overall rehabilitation scope, Altınordu Mining commits to replanting five times the number of trees affected by the project.
Considering that livestock farming is the primary source of livelihood in the region, all project plans have been designed to avoid any negative impact on this sector. Access roads and infrastructure routes have been strategically planned away from grazing and agricultural lands, reflecting the company’s utmost environmental sensitivity.
Altınordu Mining recognizes the protection of regional biodiversity as one of its core environmental responsibilities. Within the Karlık Gold and Silver Mine Project, comprehensive ecological assessments have been conducted to identify the flora and fauna species present within the project and impact areas.
Between 2021 and 2024, field studies across different seasons were carried out to document the vegetation, wildlife communities, and habitat types within the project site. The assessments covered species endemism, conservation status, abundance levels, and national/international protection categories. Based on these findings, detailed flora–fauna inventories and risk–impact–mitigation matrices were developed, forming the foundation for strategic planning aimed at minimizing environmental impact and preserving biodiversity throughout the project lifecycle.
FLORA
As a result of the ecological assessments conducted within the project area, nine endemic and rare plant species were identified as being classified under the categories “EN (Endangered)” and “VU (Vulnerable)” according to the Red Data Book of Turkish Plants.
These species are: Cirsium balikesirense, Digitalis trojana, Crocus candidus, Feulago trojana, Corydalis wendelboi subsp. congesta, Rorippa thracica, Crepis rubra, Verbascum aschersonii, and Cyclamen hederifolium.
In order to ensure their protection, both ex-situ (off-site) and in-situ (on-site) conservation practices have been initiated by Altınordu Mining.
EX-SITU (OFF-SITE) CONSERVATION
Under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Hayri Duman, Head of the Department of Botany at Gazi University, the seeds and rhizomes of endemic species occurring within the project area have been scientifically collected. The collected specimens have been delivered to the Turkish Seed Gene Bank to ensure the preservation of genetic diversity.
This process has been designed not merely as a one-time collection activity, but as a long-term plant genetic conservation program to be maintained throughout the life of the project. Through this initiative, the genetic continuity of local plant species to be used in future rehabilitation and re-vegetation efforts is being secured.
IN-SITU (ON-SITE) CONSERVATION
To minimize the population loss of endemic species, suitable habitat zones within the project site that will remain unaffected by mining activities have been identified. Within these areas, collected seeds will be re-sown during appropriate planting seasons to allow the species to continue their natural life cycles.
Through this approach, the presence of native plant species within the site will be maintained, while ensuring ecological balance and sustainable harmony between mining operations and nature.
With these efforts, Altınordu Mining not only fulfills its environmental responsibilities but also aims to make a lasting contribution to the preservation of Türkiye’s biological heritage.
FAUNA
Faunal assessments revealed that no sensitive species permanently residing or breeding within the project area were identified. However, comprehensive protective measures will be implemented to ensure the conservation of all wildlife within and around the site.
Before the start of construction, all employees will receive fauna awareness and environmental training, emphasizing the importance of not harming, disturbing, or hunting animals encountered in the field. To reinforce this awareness, warning signs and educational materials will be placed in appropriate areas across the site.
Prior to construction, site inspections will be conducted to ensure that species with limited mobility are not harmed; any individuals detected will be safely relocated to secure habitats. To prevent wildlife from entering the active work zones and to maintain safety, a protective wire fence system will be installed around the project boundary. Through these measures, potential impacts on fauna will be minimized, and the ecological balance of the region will be preserved.
The effectiveness of the implemented conservation measures will be regularly monitored and evaluated. In accordance with the commitments outlined in the EIA report, periodic monitoring studies will be carried out to assess potential impacts on flora and fauna, with the results reported to the relevant authorities. If necessary, additional protective actions will be implemented based on monitoring outcomes, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the ecosystem throughout the project lifecycle.
Through all these efforts, Altınordu Mining aims to strengthen its commitment to environmentally responsible mining and make a lasting contribution to preserving the region’s ecological integrity.