Turkey has approved the expansion of a mine in İstanbul’s Çatalca district, raising environmental concerns. The project, authorized by the Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Ministry, will nearly triple the mine’s annual production capacity to 1.2 million metric tons. This expansion will impact a forested area, with an estimated 24,536 trees affected. The decision was based on an environmental impact assessment. ANKA news agency first reported the approval, highlighting potential deforestation issues on the outskirts of İstanbul. Critics fear the mine expansion will negatively affect the local ecosystem and contribute to environmental degradation. The project signals a continuation of resource extraction despite growing environmental anxieties.