Kozlukebir Municipality unanimously rejects gold mining plans near Şapçı

Kozlukebir Municipal Council has unanimously opposed the leasing of exploration and mining rights for the E5 “Konos” public mining site near Şapçı, calling on Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy to immediately revoke its decision authorising the process.

At a meeting held on Friday, 30 October, the council adopted Resolution No. 65/2026, rejecting the proposed leasing of the rights to explore and exploit the mining site.

In its resolution, the municipality expressed serious concerns about the potential environmental, social and economic consequences of mining activities in the area. It specifically highlighted the need to protect groundwater and surface water resources, soil, wildlife and biodiversity, as well as public health and the agricultural and livestock sectors that underpin the local economy.

‘DEVELOPMENT CANNOT BE PLANNED WITHOUT PUBLIC CONSULTATION’

Kozlukebir Mayor Hüseyin Erdem said the unanimous decision reflected the municipality’s responsibility towards local residents and the future of Thrace.

He stressed that protecting the environment, water resources and public health was a shared responsibility extending beyond the municipality itself.

Erdem said the municipality was not opposed to development, but supported an approach that protects people and nature while ensuring a liveable environment for future generations.

“Development cannot be planned without hearing the views of citizens and taking into account its potential consequences for the region. Municipalities cannot be left as mere observers when decisions affect the future of their own areas,” he said.

REGIONAL OPPOSITION TO MINING PLANS

Anestis Stratiadis, a member of the Interprefectural Committee Against Gold Mining in Rhodope and Evros, also attended the council meeting and briefed participants on the issue.

With its decision, Kozlukebir Municipality joined the opposition expressed by local authorities and civil society organisations across the regional units of Rhodope and Evros.

The municipal council also called for no further steps towards mining activities to be taken until their potential environmental impact has been scientifically assessed and local residents have been consulted.

The municipality decided to forward the resolution to the Ministry of Environment and Energy and other relevant ministries, the Regional Administration of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the Rhodope Regional Unit and neighbouring municipalities.