MINING

In this region with underground affluence, the saltpans were most prominent in history. In this connection, the Law of Salt at Megri and Karasu of Mehmet the Conqueror was well-known. According to the records from the sixteenth century, there were 1 30 saltpans in Makri (Megri). Today there is not even a trace of them. Based on records .of the nineteenth century, Fethiye came second to Koycegiz in mining operation.

It is estimated that there are 350.00 tons of manganese in the beds at Gokceovacık, Mendos and Dagdibi. The Arpacık have not yet been activated. Our most significant underground source is the chromium ore. This ore is processed at the Karagedik district of our town.

As of 2001, 50.000 tons of chromium ore was mined by the Etibank Management and sent to the Antalya Ferro Chrome Organization for processing and refining. Besides the state sector, the private enterprise exported 54.000 tons chromium, 9.000 tons marble gravels, 4.500 tons sodium feldspar and 2.000 tons magnesife. There are plenty of marble beds at Seki and Bekciler and the surplus is exported abroad.