Turkey eyes energy independence through rare earth and thorium

BY AHMET TAŞ | WISE NEWS PRESS 

 ANKARA, TURKEY —  Turkey is leveraging its strategic mining map to unlock a 694-million-ton rare earth element reserve in Beylikova, Eskişehir, positioning the country as a global leader in high-tech raw materials.

The initiative, rooted in the "National Energy and Mining Policy" established during Berat Albayrak’s tenure as Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, focuses on processing Rare Earth Elements (REE) and developing thorium as a next-generation nuclear fuel. This roadmap aims to strengthen Turkey’s hand in geopolitical competition by utilizing domestic resources for defense, heavy industry, and renewable energy sectors.

Industrial transformation and processing targets

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar highlighted that the Beylikova site contains a mixture of REE, barite, fluorite, and thorium. Following the launch of a pilot facility in 2023, the government is now focused on transitioning to a full-scale industrial plant. "The project work for the industrial facility will be completed this year, with construction planned to begin in 2027," Bayraktar stated, noting that the plant will eventually process 570,000 tons of ore annually.

The demand for these elements has created a global "gold rush" as nations compete for the raw materials essential for smartphones, electric vehicles, and wind turbines. Turkey currently holds the world's second-largest REE reserve after China and is in discussions with Chinese counterparts to collaborate on processing technologies.

Thorium: The future of domestic nuclear fuel

Beyond industrial elements, the Beylikova project serves a critical role in Turkey’s nuclear energy strategy. Thorium, found in significant quantities at the site, is considered a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to uranium. Minister Bayraktar emphasized that mastering thorium technology would allow Turkey to provide its own nuclear fuel domestically.

Research is currently being spearheaded by the Turkish Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK) in collaboration with various universities and a Danish investment firm. While thorium reactors are still in the research and development phase globally, Turkey’s reserve is viewed as a vital asset for long-term energy security due to its abundance and potential to reduce nuclear waste.

Geopolitical impact of high-tech minerals

The successful processing of these "new oil" elements is expected to shift the power balance in the region. Strategic minerals like Neodymium are essential for high-power magnets, while others like Europium and Gadolinium are vital for LED lighting and medical imaging. By securing a supply chain from mine to end-product, Turkey aims to complete its vision of energy independence and industrial sovereignty.

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