Turkish miners stage underground protest against privatization in Ankara

Fifty miners have locked themselves 800 meters (2624.6 feet) underground in protest of the planned privatization of the Cayirhan Thermal Power Plant and Mine in Ankara, Türkiye. This protest took place just days before a tender set for March 4, with the miners pledging to remain underground until the privatization decision is reversed.

The workers had been voicing their opposition to the privatization of the Cayirhan Thermal Power Plant and Mine since November 2024 through various demonstrations and vigils.

With the tender approaching, they decided to intensify their protest by taking their fight underground.

The group of 50 miners descended 800 meters into the mine to lock themselves inside. The Turkish Mine Workers’ Union shared a video from the miners, who sent a message from within the mine: “May our struggle be blessed.”

With just days remaining before the tender, the workers expressed their determination, declaring, “We will not come out of the mine until the decision is reversed.”

Before the protest began, Selim Arslan, Secretary of the Central Anatolia Branch of the Turkish Mine Workers’ Union, voiced the workers’ resolve: “We have decided to remain underground until we achieve a favorable outcome. May this be for the good of all of us.”

The union also posted a message, noting that the miners had entered the most dangerous and gas-heavy part of the mine, where they called on the authorities to listen to their demands.

Ankara Mayor Yavas voices support

In a show of solidarity, Ankara’s Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavas also voiced his support, stating, “Ignoring the voices of the miners in Cayirhan, who earn their livelihood through hard work, is a disregard for labor itself. During Ramadan, it is unconscionable to ignore the rightful demands of workers. We stand with the miners and urge, ‘Do not sacrifice labor to stubbornness!’”