Turkiye is becoming a global player in mining, focusing on critical minerals, international partnerships, and sustainable resource development.
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| Turkiye is positioning itself as a major global player in mining, focusing on resource security and sustainable practices, according to the Energy Minister at INRES 2025. Image Courtesy: AA/DS |
Istanbul, Turkiye — May 3, 2025:
Turkiye is making swift progress toward becoming a key global player in the mining industry, a critical sector for economic security, according to Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. His remarks came on the sidelines of the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit (INRES 2025), organized by Turkiye's leading media group, Turkuvaz Media, and the Energy Ministry.
The summit in Istanbul brought together senior energy and mining officials from 14 countries to discuss international cooperation in critical minerals, hydrocarbons, and resource security amid the global energy transition. During a panel titled "Mining in the Energy Transition," Bayraktar emphasized the importance of responsible mining and international partnerships, highlighting institutions like Eti Maden and MTA International as key players.
"Eti Maden, which manages a significant portion of the world’s boron reserves, is prioritizing value-added production and moving toward becoming a leader in rare earth element processing," Bayraktar said. "MTA International is focusing on innovation, exploration, and collaboration with global partners."
Bayraktar also stressed that critical minerals are essential for clean energy technologies, battery systems, and industrial modernization. He pointed out the challenges in accessing and sustainably producing these resources due to supply chain gaps and shortages in technical knowledge.
"We’ve transformed our institutions to not only focus on mineral extraction but also to promote responsible mining, foster innovation, and develop international cooperation," he noted.
Bayraktar also highlighted that no country, no matter how resource-rich, can meet the global demand for critical minerals alone. "International collaboration at every level is essential for sustainable development," he added.
Countries like Niger, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia also discussed their cooperation with Turkiye in mining, reinforcing the importance of partnerships in tapping into global resource opportunities. These nations are working closely with Turkish institutions like MTA to enhance exploration efforts and resource management, further solidifying Turkiye’s global presence in the mining sector.
The INRES 2025 event also featured discussions on technological innovation, sustainable mining practices, and the integration of AI into resource management, further underscoring Turkiye's ambition to lead in both energy and mining sectors globally.