Dedeağaç council unanimously opposes gold mining and calls for renewed protests
Alexandroupoli (Alexandroupoli) Municipal Council has unanimously reaffirmed its opposition to gold mining in the region and called for the withdrawal of a government decision granting mining rights to a company in Sapes (Sapes), as local officials push for renewed public mobilization and legal action.
At a meeting on Monday, October 12, the council approved a proposal by Mayor Giannis Zampoukis requesting the revocation of the Environment and Energy Ministry’s September 23, 2026, decision authorizing a direct lease of the public mining area known as E5 to Metalleutiki Thraki Single-Member S.A. The site covers approximately 18 square kilometres in Sapes, in the Rhodope region.
The council also reaffirmed its longstanding opposition to gold mining, citing concerns about environmental protection, public health, residents’ quality of life and the region’s sustainable development. It approved the mayor’s participation in a regional coordinating committee established to organize legal, institutional and technical responses to the decision.
LOCAL OFFICIALS CALL FOR PUBLIC MOBILIZATION
During the debate, several councillors argued that previous demonstrations and public campaigns should be revived to make local opposition more visible. Although some called for an expanded council session involving MPs and relevant organizations, the meeting ultimately adopted the mayor’s proposal unanimously.
Municipal councillors warned that the dispute extends beyond the immediate mining site, with potential consequences for neighbouring areas. Some also called for the issue to be raised with European institutions, arguing that the environmental risks associated with mining should be addressed beyond the national level.
The debate reflected broad opposition to the project but also concerns about how to translate the council’s position into effective public and legal action.
REGIONAL COMMITTEE PREPARES LEGAL CHALLENGE
The coordinating committee established by the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace met on Monday and agreed to expand its participation to include representatives of professional and scientific bodies, as well as the Municipality of Arriana.
According to the report, a legal office has been instructed to pursue a court challenge, while the committee will seek an urgent meeting in Athens with the environment and energy minister.
The dispute also has a separate legal track. On November 18, 2026, Greece’s Council of State is scheduled to hear an appeal brought by three municipalities against a 2022 decision approving environmental terms for an exploratory programme at the E5 public mining site. The hearing has been postponed several times.
A LONGSTANDING DISPUTE OVER GOLD MINING
Alexandroupoli’s opposition to gold mining dates back years. The municipal council unanimously rejected mining in September 2019 and reiterated its position in June 2022, opposing both gold extraction and related exploration activities in the Sapes area.
During Monday’s meeting, councillors raised concerns about the company’s engagement with the local community, including sponsorships and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Some called for greater transparency over funding and corporate activities, while others argued that sustained public demonstrations would be necessary to maintain pressure on the authorities.
Mayor Zampoukis recalled previous public events, scientific meetings and other campaigns opposing gold mining, saying the municipality had repeatedly communicated the community’s position. Council members nevertheless stressed that further action was needed following the ministry’s latest decision.
The council’s unanimous resolution formally demands that the ministry reconsider and revoke the lease decision. Whether the renewed campaign will lead to a reversal of the decision remains uncertain.
