Güleman Mines
Alacakaya, Alacakaya District, Elazığ Province, Turkey
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Güleman Mines are located in Alacakaya, Elazığ Province, eastern Turkey, known for chromite and rare minerals like uvarovite.
The area features a peridotite mass with chromite deposits, significant for mineral enthusiasts.
Mining started in 1936, initially open-pit, now mostly underground, producing half of Turkey’s chromium.
Local culture is tied to mining and marble, with environmental concerns about water pollution from heavy metals.
Climate is hot-summer Mediterranean, with potential ecological impacts from mining activities.
Geographic Location
The Güleman Mines are nestled in Alacakaya, a district in Elazığ Province, eastern Turkey, part of the Anatolia region. This area is about 52 km from Elazığ city center, surrounded by mountainous terrain with a 200 km² mass of peridotite, hosting chromite deposits. Nearby localities like Maden and Palu add to its geological interest for mineral enthusiasts.
Minerals and Geology
The mines are renowned for chromite, essential for industrial uses, and feature rare minerals like uvarovite (a vibrant green garnet), chromium-bearing clinochlore, and chrome-tremolite. The geological structure includes a peridotite mass with alpine or podiform chromite deposits, offering a glimpse into ancient volcanic and tectonic processes.
Mining History and Local Culture
Mining began in 1915, discovered by Abdullah Hüsrev Guleman, with operations starting in 1936 by Etibank. Initially open-pit, it shifted to underground after 1950, producing 551,000 tonnes of chromite in 2018, with plans for 950,000 tonnes in 2019. Alacakaya, formed around the mine, merged with Guleman village in 1990 and is known for "vişne mermeri" (cherry marble), reflecting a culture tied to mining and craftsmanship, with a strong sense of community hospitality.
Climate and Ecology
The climate is Csa (hot-summer Mediterranean), with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. However, mining activities have raised concerns, with studies showing water pollution in the Inci and Maden rivers from heavy metals like chromium and nickel, potentially affecting local ecology and health, though no immediate non-carcinogenic risks were found.