At the International Mining Conference in Tianjin, China, Türkiye’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced the discovery of the world’s second-largest rare earth element (REE) reserve in Eskişehir, Türkiye. The country plans to establish an industrial facility to purify 570,000 tons of REEs annually, which could shift global mining footprints for these critical minerals.
Expanding Ties with Africa: Deal with Niger
Türkiye is strengthening its presence in Africa’s mining sector with a new partnership with Niger. On October 22, Bayraktar and Niger’s Mines Minister Abarchi Ousmane signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Istanbul to deepen cooperation in mineral exploration. This agreement highlights Türkiye’s interest in tapping into Niger’s rich but underdeveloped mineral resources, particularly uranium, while supporting Niger’s mining development through public and private investments.
Strengthening Ties with China: Global mining footprints in Focus
Bayraktar’s visit to China resulted in an agreement with China’s Minister of Natural Resources, Wang Guanghua, to collaborate on critical minerals, with a focus on rare earth elements. Türkiye’s strategic location and partnership with China could accelerate its mining projects and boost its position in global supply chains for critical materials. Talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tajikistan explored additional opportunities for cooperation in mining.
Türkiye’s Growing Role in Global Mining
The discovery of Türkiye’s massive rare earth element reserve positions the country as a major player in global mining. With plans to process 570,000 tons of REEs annually, Türkiye is set to become a key supplier, reducing reliance on China’s dominance in the sector. Strategic international deals in Africa and Asia are enhancing Türkiye’s access to critical minerals, supporting its broader goals of mining innovation and sustainability.
Türkiye is rapidly positioning itself at the forefront of the global mining industry. The discovery of a large rare earth element reserve, coupled with strategic agreements with resource-rich nations, is reshaping global supply chains for critical minerals. With a focus on international cooperation and investment in mining, Türkiye is poised to become a pivotal player in the future of rare earth elements and critical minerals, shaping the global resource landscape.
