Cyanide spill
6 cases in 6 countries, 1998–2024. Most cases: Türkiye (3), Kyrgyzstan (2), Romania (1), Hungary (1), Serbia (1).
Nine die in Çöpler gold mine heap collapse; mine gets temporary operating certificate
A cyanide ore heap at the Çöpler gold mine in İliç, Türkiye, collapsed in February 2024 and nine workers died. An expert panel reported environmental exceedances, and the mine's 80% stake was sold in 2026. At stake for nature are soil, groundwater and surface water near the mine.
Çöpler (İliç) heap leach collapse
On 13 February 2024 a heap of ore being leached with cyanide slid at the Çöpler gold mine in İliç, Turkey, and nine workers died. A criminal trial of 43 defendants is ongoing, and in 2026 the majority owner sold its 80% stake to Cengiz Holding.
European court found Turkish permit for Bergama cyanide gold mine breached privacy
The European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2004 that the permit for a cyanide gold mine at Ovacık, Bergama, violated the right to respect for private life. The cited sources do not say whether the mine is operating today.
Baia Mare cyanide spill
A tailings dam at a gold-recovery plant in Romania broke in January 2000. Cyanide reached the Danube through Hungary and Serbia; Hungary's damages claim ended without a defendant.
Kyrgyzstan 1998 cyanide accident: residents not informed for five hours
A 1998 cyanide accident in Kyrgyzstan was not disclosed to residents for five hours. Compensation covered only a small part of the damage, and a claim by 54 victims was rejected 24 years later.
Gabès students reported poisoned near chemical plant; Barskoon cyanide spill
Students in Gabès, Tunisia, were reported repeatedly poisoned near a state chemical plant. In Kyrgyzstan, the public at Barskoon was not told of a 1998 cyanide spill for five hours. At stake for nature are the rivers and air around both sites.
Science and environment
- Cyanide (in gold mining)
- A highly toxic chemical used to dissolve gold from ore.