MINEX Forum

Tag: Turkey

  • Turkey and China Sign MOU to Boost Cooperation in Mining and Critical Minerals

    Turkey and China Sign MOU to Boost Cooperation in Mining and Critical Minerals

    Turkey and China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance their cooperation in the mining sector, with a strong focus on critical minerals like rare earth elements. China, which dominates the global supply of rare earths, producing 70% of the world’s output and 90% of refined materials, has reinforced its strategic role in this partnership.

    The announcement was made during an international mining conference held in Tianjin, China, where Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Guanghua, formalized the agreement. Bayraktar highlighted the significance of critical minerals in high-tech production and emphasized Turkey’s goal to process 570,000 tonnes of rare earth elements annually. This will allow Turkey to capitalize on its Eskişehir reserve, the second-largest in the world.

    This latest agreement follows a prior MOU focused on energy transformation, signed during Bayraktar’s visit to China in May. Turkey aims to attract investments from major Chinese companies, such as BYD, to support its electric vehicleand battery production sectors. Additionally, Bayraktar held discussions with CNOS, a key player in China’s nuclear industry, and SPIC, one of China’s largest energy companies, to explore partnerships in renewable energy and modular reactors.

    In a statement on his official X account, Bayraktar emphasized the potential of joint mining projects, stating that such collaborations could significantly impact the future of the global mining industry.

  • Turkey demands closure of Armenia’s Metsamor nuclear plant

    Turkey demands closure of Armenia’s Metsamor nuclear plant

    Turkey has recently announced its ongoing international efforts to close down the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia. This decision is primarily driven by the plant’s operational lifespan coming to an end and the associated security risks it poses. Concerns have been raised by citizens in the city of Iğdır, located approximately 16 kilometers from the plant, prompting the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) Petitions Committee to respond to these petitions.

    In its response, the committee informed citizens that a radiation emergency plan has been developed in Iğdır to mitigate potential risks. Turkey has also been actively urging the international community to take action in shutting down the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant. The committee based its response on information provided by relevant ministries, institutions, and organizations involved in this matter.

    Furthermore, the response highlighted that informational campaigns have been conducted in the border villages of Iğdır to raise awareness among local residents. Additionally, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, iodine tablets have been procured and distributed as a precautionary measure. Moreover, exercises simulating a radiation emergency scenario have been conducted in the city to enhance preparedness at the local level.

    In parallel, it is worth noting that despite expert warnings, the construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NGS) in Gülnar, Mersin, is still underway. This $20 billion project consists of four power units, each equipped with Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactors. Construction is progressing simultaneously, with significant milestones reached, such as the completion of welding processes for the first power unit’s reactor cooling pipeline and the official granting of status to the plant on April 27, 2023, marked by the arrival of the “first fuel rod.”

    These developments underscore Turkey’s commitment to addressing nuclear safety concerns, both domestically and in the broader region. It demonstrates the country’s proactive approach to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens and working towards a secure and sustainable future.