New local front emerges against gold mining project in Western Thrace
The regional administration of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, municipalities and an inter-municipal committee have launched a joint effort to challenge a decision that could pave the way for gold mining activities in the Şapçı (Sapes) area of Western Thrace.
The initiative follows a decision by Greece's Ministry of Environment and Energy to lease mining rights covering 18.13 square kilometres in the area to Metallleftiki Thrakis. The issue was discussed by the Regional Council of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, which agreed to establish a joint committee and pursue administrative and legal measures against the decision.
JOINT COMMITTEE TO REVIEW LEGAL AND TECHNICAL OPTIONS
The committee, proposed by Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis, will include the mayors of Dedeağaç (Alexandroupoli), Gümülcine (Komotini) and Maronia-Şapçı (Maronia-Sapes), as well as representatives of the Technical Chamber of Thrace and the Rhodope-Meriç Intermunicipal Committee.
The body will examine the available documentation concerning the ministry's decision and assess its technical, scientific and legal implications. It will also investigate possible administrative and judicial avenues for challenging the decision.
If considered necessary, the regional administration may also pursue initiatives with European Union institutions. It has said it will cover the costs of obtaining specialist legal and scientific expertise.
MINING RIGHTS DATE BACK DECADES
The area concerned forms part of the E5 Public Mining Area, known as Konos, which extends across parts of Rhodope and Meriç (Evros).
Mining rights in the area have been the subject of activity by different companies since the 1990s, while local authorities and residents have previously opposed plans for gold mining.
In its latest decision, the Environment Ministry reportedly said the area's mineral reserves could support a sustainable investment capable of generating revenue for the Greek state while providing compensatory benefits for the local community.
The statement has renewed concerns among local institutions and residents opposed to gold mining in the area.
REGIONAL OPPOSITION CALLS FOR REVERSAL
Christos Metios, leader of the main opposition group on the Regional Council, called for the government and Environment Ministry to be immediately asked to withdraw the decision concerning the 18-square-kilometre area.
The September 23 decision reportedly gives the company 20 days to sign the lease agreement, adding urgency to the local authorities' efforts to challenge the measure.
Christodoulos Iliopoulos, head of the Independent Alliance Movement, also argued that local approval should be a key consideration, recalling a previous statement attributed to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis that investment should not proceed without the consent of the local community.
Dionysis Kladis, meanwhile, opposed the transfer of gold and other mineral resources to private companies and argued that natural resources should be managed in the public interest.
PREVIOUS LEGAL CHALLENGES CITED
Anestis Stratiadis, representing the Rhodope-Meriç Intermunicipal Committee, referred to previous legal disputes over mining activities in the region.
He cited an earlier case concerning mining rights in the Maronia area and the cancellation in 2006 of preliminary approval related to the location of the Şapçı project.
Local authorities are now considering whether to pursue legal action again. The newly established committee's immediate objective is to examine the latest ministry decision and seek its withdrawal.
The formation of the committee does not itself halt the lease process or establish the legality of the ministry's decision. Any administrative or judicial challenge would have to proceed through the relevant procedures.
