Türkiye: The Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change has initiated a new process for the ‘Integrated Cement Factory and Raw Material Quarries Project’ in Muğla, which had previously been halted due to local opposition and judicial rulings. A meeting of the Investigation and Evaluation Commission (IAC) is scheduled for 28 November 2024, according to the Ministry's announcement on 6 November 2024.
According to Railly News, the project ran into difficulties when construction by local company Muğla Cement Industry and Trade began in 2021. Following environmental concerns, the Muğla 2nd Administrative Court cancelled the construction permit and the environmental impact assessment (EIA) 'positive' decision, citing non-compliance with the law. A request to appeal was denied.
In response to these developments, local environmental groups and residents have continued their legal efforts, most recently challenging the designation of the plant area as an 'Industrial Area' in the regional development plan. The case remains pending.
