Enver Bıldır, the Lefke Regional Coordinator for Bağımsızlık Yolu (Path to Independence), has called on the Mudd family, executives of the Cyprus Mining Corporation (CMC), to take responsibility for the environmental damage caused by the company’s mining waste in Cyprus. “A small fraction of the enormous wealth you amassed from our country would suffice to rehabilitate your waste,” Bıldır said in a written statement.

Speaking on behalf of Bağımsızlık Yolu, Bıldır also addressed the recent decision by the Mudd family to return 266 historical artifacts from their private collection to Cypriots after nearly a century. He urged the family to extend this positive gesture to cleaning up the environmental damage left by their operations in Cyprus.

Historical and Environmental Exploitation

Bıldır highlighted how colonial authorities granted illegal privileges to foreign companies to exploit Cyprus’ natural resources and cultural heritage during the British colonial era. “Archaeological teams, including Swedish excavation groups, removed shiploads of artifacts from Cyprus. The directors of the Cyprus Mining Corporation were among those who acquired these artifacts,” he stated, adding that the extent of historical artifacts taken by the company remains unknown.

He emphasized that the legacy of the Cyprus Mining Corporation includes millions of tons of uncontrolled mining waste, which continues to pollute the environment. He compared the situation in Fugasa to that in Lefke, citing "acid lakes in Matyat" as resembling a "horror movie scene." Bıldır stressed that this ongoing environmental disaster should be as troubling for the Mudd family as it is for the people of Cyprus.

A Call to Action

Bıldır underscored the immense wealth generated by the Cyprus Mining Corporation, estimating that over $8 billion worth of minerals were extracted from Cyprus, a figure that would be much higher if adjusted to today’s market value. He noted that the Mudd family’s businesses continue to operate in many countries, supported by the fortune they amassed from Cyprus.

Years ago, the Lefke Environment Association reminded the company’s current executives of their responsibility to clean up the mining waste left behind. Echoing this sentiment, Bıldır stated:

“We repeat this call: A small portion of the massive wealth you gained from our country is sufficient to rehabilitate the waste you left behind. We invite the Mudd family to extend their positive approach to the matter of our historical artifacts to also address the mining waste.”