Analysis of the legal perspective of mining permits in the state forest (the example of Eskişehir Regional Forest Directorate)

In this study, legal aspects of the allocation of significant mineral deposit areas within Eskişehir Regional Directorate of Forestry to the mine operator and permissions and documents that should be taken for mining activities in the state forests were examined. In this study, general information primarily about the mining and forestry concepts havebeen given. Then, legal aspects of mining activities ongoing from past to present in theforest areas within Eskişehir Regional Directorate of Forestry borders has been demonstrated. The mining permits in forest areas are shown in the tables according to permit type, years and area that allowed. Necessary investigations were carried out in mining areas and the actual situation of activities has been demonstrated. At the same time, in this study, of the areas that expired mining permit time whether the rehabilitated or not according to legal regulations has been researched. As a result of the examination, mining permits given within the state forest of Eskişehir Regional Directorate of Forestry have been identified as in accordance with laws and regulations. Regular monitoring and controls are carried out in areas where mining activities have been continued. The areas mining permit time expired were rehabilitated according to legal regulations. In some mining sites where the permit time is getting an end, soil processing work has begun. It is also determined that in the other mining sites the soil processing work has been completed and the reforestation works are being carried out. According to the authorized persons interviewed and field observations indicates that the desired level of rehabilitation work was reached and these areas will be reached growing capacity as in the past near future.