Turkey possesses the largest resources of many minerals in the world. Turkey holds 72%of the world’s boron reserves, two-thirds of the world’s borate reserves and 40% of the world’s marble reserves. Turkey’s complex geology is reflected in the diversity of its mineral deposits. There are 53 different minerals and metals and 4,500 mineral deposits in Turkey.
Turkey is best known for its industrial minerals such as boron, feldspar, marble, barite, celestite, emery, limestone, magnesite, perlite and pumice. In recent years, mining activities have increased considerably in Turkey, especially the search and production of silver, gold, manganese, copper and chrome. The public sector is dominant in fuel minerals and metallic ore production while the private sector is concentrated in industrial mineral production. In 2008, Turkey’s mining exports reached $3.1 billion with the most important export items in the sector being natural stones.
Some important metals and minerals in Turkish mining are:
Turkey contains 40% of the world’s marble reserves. There are more than 100 varieties of Turkish marble having shades ranging from light gray, black, and white.
Turkey possesses 72% of the world’s boron reserves and is the leading exporter of the mineral in the world. The mining, production and marketing rights of the boron mineral is with Eti Maden Isletmeleri. In 2008, the company realized 37% of world boron production and met 36.4% of world boron demand.
Turkey’s proven copper reserves are about 3.7 million tons metal copper, although total reserves are 15.8 million tons. Rods, profiles and cables are the most important export products in the sector. In 2008, Turkey’s copper ore exports were $316 million.
In 2008, Turkish feldspar exports reached $147 million. The country was first in feldspar exports the previous year with a share of 43%. Turkey holds 10% of total feldspar reserves. Most feldspar is produced in the private sector and 90% of the production is exported. The rise in world production of white body tile and granite has increase the demand for feldspar, which is used to make dinnerware and bathroom and building tiles.
Chamber of Mining Engineers of Turkey
www.maden.org.tr
General Directorate Of Mineral Research & Exploration
www.mta.gov.tr
Istanbul Ferrous and Non Ferrous Metals Exporters Association
www.immib.org.tr