TENS of thousands marched to halt construction at the site of a potential gold mining site in Turkey today in protest against the huge environmental damage it will inflict on the area.

Activists warned that the development of the mine in the Kaz mountains will lead to the poisoning of the local water supply and the drinking water dam in nearby Canakkale.

They have brought together a range of environmental and political organisations to form the Kaz Mountains Fraternity.

It has warned that 20,000 tonnes of cyanide will be used in the mine which it fears will contaminate the local water supply.

Actions have taken place since July 26 to call attention to environmental issues while members of organisations including the People’s Democratic Congress and the Union of Turkish Chambers of Engineers and Architects have held solidarity demonstrations.

A number of the protesters today gained entry to the construction site despite a heavy police presence. 

Activists are also angry that more than 195,000 trees were chopped down to make way for the mine, which is owned by Canadian-based gold producer Alamos Gold.

This was four times the number of trees anticipated in an environmental impact assessment.

Activists planted saplings to replace those chopped down.

Gozde Cagri told the Star that watching the destruction was unbearable.

“We are face to face with [Erdogan] who is hostile to everything beautiful. He is trying to destroy nature and history but people are fighting him on thousands of fronts.

“Those who try to protect this country are facing terrorism charges and accused of being traitors. This is ironic, but glorious as well. I don’t know how much we can protect, but I know the people will keep trying.“