Gümüşhane Province in Terms of Mining Geography

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the mining geography of Gümüşhane province, which contains the most important mining areas of Türkiye, which is rich in terms of mineral diversity, in the context of opportunities and risks. The qualitative research method was used in the study. The interview technique was used as the data collection technique. In this context, semi-structured questions were asked of the participants face-to-face. In this context, it was anticipated that in-depth information would be obtained from the authorities in the sector and the criterion sampling method, which is one of the purposeful sampling methods, was applied. In the selection of the working group, the criteria used were having knowledge on a local scale and conducting academic studies on the sector / working in a senior position in the sector for at least five years. According to research findings, four themes emerged as the contributions of mining activities in Gümüşhane province to the economy on a local and national scale, mining activities in Gümüşhane province, current status and projections regarding the importance of mining activities in Gümüşhane province, and the status of mining in Gümüşhane province compared to the world and Türkiye. The study found that mining activities are important in Gümüşhane province compared to the rest of Türkiye, that it has become an important settlement area due to mining since historical periods and continues to do so, and that it has become one of the most important areas of investments made in the field of mining. Mining activities in Gümüşhane province have contributed to the economy on a local and national scale and have brought dynamism to the economy of Gümüşhane province with private sector investments.