Opposition grows against gold mining project in Western Thrace
Public opposition is intensifying in the Güreci region, located on the border of Rhodope and Evros, where a gold mining project has raised alarm among professional bodies and political parties over its potential economic and environmental consequences.
In a joint statement, the Thrace Regional Branch of the Chamber of Economy and the Thrace Branch of the Chamber of Agricultural and Forestry Engineers expressed firm opposition to the project.
The statement highlighted the absence of a comprehensive environmental impact assessment that could guarantee the prevention of toxic waste leaks—especially concerning amid the ongoing climate crisis and extreme weather events.
The organizations emphasized that Thrace’s true wealth lies in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries—sectors they say would be directly harmed by mining activity. “The region’s future cannot be risked by leaving behind permanent toxic waste,” they warned.
Political Response:
The Eastern Macedonia and Thrace branch of the MeRA25 party also voiced its opposition, calling on the public to support a mass protest against the mining initiative. “Gold mining inflicts irreparable damage, particularly in environmentally rich areas like Thrace,” the party stated.
MeRA25 has invited all residents of Thrace to join the central protest on Sunday, June 1 at 19:00 in front of Depot No. 1 at the Port of Alexandroupolis.
