Greece's gold rush
A gold rush is spreading in the Government. Major investment plans in gold extraction, some of which were blocked for years due to their serious environmental impacts, are now approved under the fast track licensing procedure.
Based on the “fast track” Law 3894/2010, approval decisions and positive opinions are speedily issued for gold mining operations in many areas in Northern Greece, particularly in Evros, Chalkidike and Kilkis. Local opposition is strong, due to the expected impacts resulting primarily in groundwater pollution.