Türkiye is strengthening its presence on the global mining stage through a series of new partnerships with key players, focusing on securing resources critical for industrial and technological development. The Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced Türkiye’s recent advances during the International Mining Conference in Tianjin, China, where he highlighted significant resource discoveries and outlined agreements with strategic international partners.
Türkiye’s resource landscape received a major boost with the discovery of the world’s second-largest rare earth element deposit in Eskişehir, a province in western Türkiye. Speaking to conference attendees, Bayraktar shared the government’s ambitious plans to establish an industrial facility capable of processing 570,000 tons of rare earth elements annually. These elements, essential for various technologies including renewable energy, electronics, and defence, are increasingly critical on the global stage.
Deepening Ties with Africa and Asia
In the past few weeks, Türkiye has signed multiple agreements aimed at securing mineral and natural resource collaborations. Bayraktar met with Niger’s Mines Minister Abarchi Ousmane in Istanbul, where the two ministers signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in mineral exploration and mining. The MoU outlines plans for resource-sharing, mutual consultations, and institutional partnerships that will drive sustainable development in both nations’ mining sectors. Additionally, Türkiye aims to encourage public and private sector investments in Niger’s mining industry, expanding its reach in Africa’s resource-rich markets.
Türkiye also forged a new partnership with China during Bayraktar’s recent visit. The Turkish energy minister signed an MoU with Wang Guanghua, China’s Minister of Natural Resources, setting the stage for expanded collaboration in critical minerals within Türkiye.
Bayraktar’s talks with various African and Asian leaders at the Tianjin conference reflected Türkiye’s proactive approach to building an extensive network of partners. He met with Kizito Pakabomba Kapinga, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Mines, to discuss joint projects in critical minerals. The two countries are exploring potential projects and technology-sharing initiatives to support their mining sectors. Additionally, Bayraktar’s meeting with Sherali Kabir, Tajikistan’s Industry and New Technologies Minister, highlighted mutual commitments to carry out technical studies and pursue concrete steps to deepen mining cooperation.
A Strategic Approach to Resource Security
Türkiye’s recent moves align with its broader strategy to secure access to critical resources vital for energy independence and industrial resilience. The agreements not only aim to foster resource-sharing and collaboration but also underscore Türkiye’s role as a regional hub for the mining industry, bridging cooperation between Europe, Africa, and Asia.
By securing key partnerships, Türkiye is positioning itself as an emerging force in the global mining sector. The nation’s recent resource discovery and strategic partnerships could play an instrumental role in advancing its economic resilience and influence in critical minerals. As Türkiye collaborates across continents, it reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development and resource security, seeking to solidify its status as a pivotal player in the international mining industry.
