Legal action will be taken if negligence is found in the operation of the gold mine that collapsed in Türkiye's eastern Erzincan province, the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, confirmed on Thursday.
No high-level company officials from Anagold Mining, the mine operator in the district of Ilic, are currently on site, Bayraktar told reporters.
A landslide hit the gold mine, trapping at least nine workers underground in the Copler mine on Feb. 13.
Efforts are now focused on rescuing the trapped miners, Bayraktar said, adding that 'The danger of landslides continues in the region. We hope to reach our workers as soon as possible.'
Bayraktar underlined that an investigation into the causes of the accident is ongoing to determine its cause and to see if there was any negligence in its operations.
'There is no problem with the processes for permits at this facility, but in terms of implementation, the relevant ministries are conducting an investigation.'
He further gave reassurance that all evidence and findings would be made public.
'The legal process is underway, and nothing will be covered up. We will work to bring anyone responsible to justice,' he said.
The mine obtained its operating license in 2004 and is under the management of private firm Anagold Mining, a joint venture corporation of SSR Mining and Lidya Madencilik (Mining).
By Zeynep Beyza Kilic
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr