Türkiye is poised to intensify its investments in mining from 2027 to 2029 as part of a strategic initiative aimed at reducing reliance on foreign energy and natural resources. This ambitious move is outlined in the new Medium-Term Program (MTP), which seeks to bolster supply security and capitalize on national resources.
Strengthening Domestic Resource Production
As part of the MTP, Türkiye aims to enhance the exploration and production of local resources, thereby integrating them into the economy with greater value. The program emphasizes diversification of energy sources, augmentation of storage capacities, and development in research and technology related to critical minerals and energy. The overarching goal is to fortify the country’s energy infrastructure and minimize import dependency. This initiative represents a significant pivot towards strengthening domestic capabilities in mining and related technologies.
Ibrahim Halil Kirshan, the head of the Türkiye Mining Assembly, expressed his support for the MTP’s focus on crucial minerals and rare earth elements. In his view, these resources have become key players not just in national strategies but also in global geopolitical dynamics. He remarked that the MTP’s attention to these sectors is essential for driving industrial growth in Türkiye. A notable objective is to facilitate a 139% increase in exploration investments, which could uncover untapped mining potential in the country.
Promoting Sustainable Mining Practices
The government is set to introduce regulations aimed at decreasing dependence on critical and strategic minerals sourced abroad while promoting domestic manufacturing. Research and Development will prioritize innovations such as coal gasification, carbon capture, storage solutions, and other advanced technologies. Emphasizing sustainable practices, Kirshan advocates for a comprehensive national strategy on critical minerals and even proposes the establishment of a Critical Minerals Presidency. This initiative could pave the way for transitioning Türkiye from basic ore exports to higher-value products.
A collaborative approach involving the public sector, private industry, and academic institutions is crucial, Kirshan noted. He stressed that Türkiye’s mining strategy should align with broader industrial and technological policies. The ambition is to shift from merely exporting raw materials to exporting sophisticated, value-added products, thus enhancing the country’s competitive edge in the global market.
Leveraging Geopolitical Position and Industrial Base
Despite its robust mining potential and established infrastructure, Türkiye faces challenges in processing and refining minerals to produce advanced technology products. Kirshan pointed out that much of the high value derived from these minerals currently accrues abroad, which underscores the importance of domestic advancements. There is a growing need for processed minerals, particularly in rapidly evolving sectors like energy transitions, automotive manufacturing, and defense industries. Türkiye’s unique geopolitical location and its logistical strengths further bolster its potential to develop and export processed minerals.
New legislation and institutional frameworks can be instrumental in actualizing Türkiye’s mining potential. By identifying the specific mineral and metal needs of local industries, these regulations can facilitate the creation of mining projects that adhere to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Kirshan contended that a revised industrial policy should regard critical minerals not merely as basic raw materials, but rather as essential components of the technology and industrial ecosystem.
Through these initiatives, Türkiye is not only cultivating its mineral resources but is also positioning itself as a key player in the global energy landscape, all while ensuring sustainable practices that align with 21st-century industrial requirements. As the nation forges ahead, the commitment to mining and resource development is clear, reflecting a future-oriented vision that prioritizes economic resilience and national security.