A comprehensive new study has shed light on the catastrophic landslide that occurred on February 13, 2024, at the Çöpler Gold Mine in eastern Türkiye, revealing crucial insights about the prolonged deformation processes that preceded the event. The research team, led by Pınar Büyükakpınar from the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, combined multiple geophysical and remote sensing techniques to capture an unprecedentedly detailed picture of the ground movements that ultimately triggered the disaster. This investigation not only highlights long-term warning signs overlooked in mining operations but also raises urgent concerns regarding similar risks within the industry.
The Çöpler Gold Mine, a key contributor to Türkiye’s gold production, accounting for approximately 20 percent of the country’s output, endured a massive landslide that tragically buried nine miners beneath debris. While the immediate loss of life is devastating, the geoscientific implications of the event are equally significant, emphasizing the critical need for advanced hazard detection systems in mining regions, particularly those located in tectonically active areas. This study, published in The Seismic Record, meticulously analyzes seismic signals, satellite radar data, and field observations to construct a comprehensive understanding of the event.
At the heart of this research lies the use of spaceborne interferometric synthetic aperture radar, known as InSAR, which proved invaluable for tracking ground deformation with remarkable accuracy over time. By processing InSAR datasets spanning the preceding four years, researchers identified continuous slow ground displacement at a rate averaging 60 millimeters annually at the landslide site. Such measurements underscore that the catastrophic failure was the culmination of a lengthy period of progressive ground instability rather than an abrupt, unforeseeable collapse.
One of the most alarming findings pertains to the cyanide leach pond situated near the mine—a facility used in extracting gold from ore. This pond also demonstrated ongoing deformation, subsiding at an average of 85 millimeters per year. Given that cyanide is an extremely toxic chemical prone to causing severe environmental damage if released, this discovery raises the stakes for rapid mitigation efforts. Büyükakpınar stresses that the pond’s deteriorating structural integrity threatens potential failure, which could release hazardous substances into the nearby Euphrates River, endangering local ecosystems and communities downstream.
The tectonic setting of the mine adds layers of complexity to the hazard assessment. Nestled near the North and East Anatolian fault zones, the region inherently experiences considerable seismic activity. This dynamic stress environment, combined with human activities such as mining-induced weakening of rock masses, creates fertile conditions for slope destabilization. The dense seismic networks already operating in eastern Türkiye were instrumental, enabling high-resolution recording of seismic waves generated during the landslide, which allowed the team to decipher the mechanics of the collapse with unprecedented clarity.
Analyzing seismic data from stations positioned up to 400 kilometers away, the researchers identified two distinct pulses separated by a 48-second interval that corresponded to two separate mass movement sources. These seismic signatures revealed a complex pattern of debris detachment, involving a rapid westward movement down a steep slope followed by a slower north-northeast migration on a gentler incline. Subsequent site investigations and photographic evidence corroborated these observations, painting a detailed picture of the landslide’s multidirectional dynamics and mass distribution.
The integration of seismic data with remote sensing and field surveys enabled not only retrospective analysis but also validated the efficacy of real-time landslide detection algorithms previously developed for different tectonic environments such as Alaska. This successful application in Türkiye’s distinct geotectonic setting highlights the potential universality of such early warning systems. If further refined, these technologies could revolutionize how mining sites and other vulnerable areas monitor and respond to ground movement hazards, potentially saving lives and preventing environmental catastrophe.
Moreover, the study identifies several contributing factors that exacerbate landslide risk in mining regions. The long-term slow deformation induced by continuous extraction activities undermines slope stability, while natural triggers such as increased pore pressure from rainfall or snowmelt further weaken rock formations. When combined with geological features characterized by steep slopes, the likelihood of sudden failure escalates substantially. In tectonically active zones, dynamic triggering from earthquakes may act as a final catalyst, transforming gradual deformation into rapid collapse.
Büyükakpınar emphasizes the crucial role of continuous, integrated monitoring for risk management. She advocates for coupling seismic detection with satellite-based deformation measurements and regular site inspections to develop comprehensive hazard models. This systematic approach enables early identification of critical thresholds and informs timely interventions to avert disasters. It also calls for stronger collaboration between regulatory authorities and mine operators to ensure that risk assessments and mitigation strategies evolve alongside mining activities and environmental conditions.
Beyond the immediate implications for Çöpler Gold Mine and Türkiye, the findings extend to global mining operations situated in seismically active and geologically complex regions. The study argues that current monitoring protocols focusing predominantly on earthquake detection are insufficient, recommending an expanded focus that encompasses secondary hazards like landslides, tailings dam failures, and toxic waste containment breaches. Enhanced detection and rapid response capabilities are vital components of modern disaster resilience frameworks in extractive industries.
The prospect of adapting these seismic and remote sensing methodologies to detect submarine landslides also holds promise. Given the capacity of underwater slope failures to generate tsunamis with devastating coastal impacts, early warning systems capable of real-time detection would represent a major advancement in oceanic hazard monitoring. Büyükakpınar suggests future research explore this extension, addressing the pressing need to manage submarine geohazards in addition to terrestrial ones.
Ultimately, the Çöpler Gold Mine landslide study underscores a sobering lesson: human activities, natural geophysical processes, and disaster risks are inextricably linked in multiple dimensions. Only by harnessing technological innovation, fostering interdisciplinary research, and committing to proactive risk governance can societies hope to coexist safely with the challenges posed by the Earth’s dynamic systems. This landmark investigation not only elucidates the mechanisms behind a tragic event but also offers a template for mitigating future threats worldwide.
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Seismic, Field, and Remote Sensing Analysis of the 13 February 2024 Çöpler Gold Mine Landslide, Erzincan, Türkiye
News Publication Date: 8-May-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1785/0320250007
References: The Seismic Record
Keywords: Geophysics; Landslides
