Türkiye is rapidly gaining attention on the global mining stage as its abundant mineral resources and new discoveries highlight the country’s role in the critical minerals race. Growing trade tensions and the push for strategic raw materials are driving demand for minerals essential to defense, clean technology, and high-tech electronics.
Türkiye’s Mineral Wealth: A Strategic Advantage
Ibrahim Halil Kirsan, chair of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) Mining Assembly, highlighted that nearly 70 of the world’s 90 commercially traded minerals are found in Türkiye. He emphasized the shift from the “oil age” to a “mineral age,” noting that access to critical minerals increasingly shapes global trade policies. “Rare earth elements and other strategic minerals are becoming central to national security and advanced technologies,” Kirsan explained.
The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is actively mapping Türkiye’s critical and strategic minerals while establishing legal frameworks to secure supply chains for domestic manufacturers. These include sectors ranging from the Togg electric car to solar panels, wind turbines, and defense technologies, all of which depend on a consistent supply of high-value raw materials.
Driving Responsible Mining Practices
Environmental responsibility is a growing priority in Türkiye’s mining sector. The Turkish Miners Association has introduced a 12-point responsible mining protocol. Caner Zanbak, the association’s environmental coordinator, stressed that adoption of these standards will be mandatory to maintain operational licenses. “We must mine responsibly—protecting the environment while developing our resources is non-negotiable,” Zanbak said. This ensures Türkiye maximizes its mineral potential while adhering to global sustainability standards.
Sivas Gold Discovery: A Game Changer
A major milestone came with Erdemir’s mining subsidiary, Ermaden, reporting a new gold discovery near Alacahan in Sivas’ Kangal district. The find totals 424,000 ounces of gold, valued at approximately $1.7 billion. OYAK CEO and Erdemir Chair Murat Yalcintas confirmed that the company identified a “possible resource” using JORC (Australian reporting code) and UMREK (Türkiye’s national mineral reporting standard). The area spans 45 hectares within a larger 5,804-hectare license, with infill drilling planned to convert it into a measured reserve.
This discovery strengthens Türkiye’s position in the global gold market and highlights the country’s potential as a supplier of high-value minerals to international investors and technology-driven industries.
Eskisehir: Türkiye’s Emerging Rare-Earth Hub
Türkiye is also advancing its rare earth element (REE) resources. The Energy Ministry estimates 694 million tons of REEs between Beylikova and Sivrihisar in Eskisehir, second only to China’s Bayan Obo deposit. These critical minerals are vital for magnets, batteries, and components used across energy, defense, and high-tech sectors.
Preparations for a rare earth processing plant are underway, with groundbreaking expected by 2026. Production is projected to begin within two years, positioning Türkiye as a strategic hub for rare earth processing and advanced technology minerals.
With the Sivas gold discovery and rare earth development in Eskisehir, Türkiye is solidifying its role as a key player in the global critical minerals market. Strategic planning, responsible mining standards, and investments in processing infrastructure position the country to meet growing international demand for essential minerals. As industries worldwide race to secure resources for electric vehicles, clean energy, and advanced electronics, Türkiye’s mining sector is poised to become a cornerstone of global supply chains.
