Print out the following and send it to
SOS Bergama, Friends of The Earth, 312 Smith Street Collingwood 3066, PO box 222, Fitzroy 3065
after signing.

To the Honourable the President and Members of the Senate assembled in Parliament

The Petition of the undersigned citizens and residents of Australia draws to the attention of the House

to Prohibit the Use of the CYANIDE LEACH PROCESS by

Australian-owned Gold Mines operating in TURKIYE (Turkey)

· Cyanide is one of the most poisonous chemical substance in the world. It is used by mining corporations in the Cyanide Leaching Process to extract gold or metals from the ore.

· The Cyanide Leach Process is illegal in USA, Canada, Greece, Austria and the Czech Republic.

· Eurogold is owned by Australian company, Normandy Mining. Eurogold has been using cyanide to extract gold in Bergama, Turkiye since February 1998. They are planning 560 new gold mines in Turkiye.

· In 1997, after 7 years of active resistance of villagers and communities, the Turkish High Court ordered mining to cease in Bergama. However, Eurogold was able to start mining again in 2000 due to international trade agreements, and after a visit to Turkiye by the Australian Prime Minister, John Howard in April 2000.

· We, the undersigned, support a prohibition on the use of cyanide reagents by Australian companies globally in mines and metallic ore processing facilities. Therefore we urge our legislators to support a ban on the use of cyanide. Further, we urge our legislators to ensure that Australian-based mining companies operate under a mandatory code of sustainable conduct.

Respectfully sheweth—

Your Petitioners request that the Senate should legislate against the use of cyanide leach process by Australian owned/operated mines in Australia and around the world.

Please return to SOS Bergama, Friends of The Earth, 312 Smith Street Collingwood 3066, PO box 222, Fitzroy 3065.

Further copies available from 03-9481 1282, or by email: [email protected]

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