Bakan Bayraktar: Claims Regarding the Sale of Rare Metals to the USA Do Not Reflect the Truth

Minister Bayraktar Evaluated Energy Demand

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar stated that Turkey's energy demand will triple within the next 30 years. He emphasized that they are determined to work to meet the increasing energy needs without interruptions and to secure energy supply.

Oil and Gas Exploration Activities

Bayraktar highlighted that new discoveries will continue, announcing that 24 drilling operations will be conducted in Diyarbakir. He also announced plans for natural gas exploration activities in the Thrace region using similar methods.

"No Sale of Rare Metals to the USA"

Rejecting allegations that rare earth elements are being sold to the USA, Bayraktar stated that this is not valid at all. "The agreement we signed with America was regarding the nuclear field. If we were to make an agreement concerning rare earth elements, we would announce it openly," he said.

Beylikova Field and Future Plans

Bayraktar noted that the Beylikova Field in Eskişehir possesses the world's second-largest reserve of rare earth elements, indicating that thorium is present there and that studies conducted by Eti Maden have continued for 125 kilometers.

He expressed that they established a pilot facility here in 2023 and started production activities, announcing that the foundations of an industrial facility will be laid in the coming years. He particularly remarked that existing laws in Turkey have increased the state’s powers in the mining sector.

Overseas Exploration Activities

Minister Bayraktar shared information about Turkey's oil and natural gas exploration activities abroad. He stated that they have had significant discussions with Libya and obtained a 30% share in new fields with Azerbaijan. He also added that exploration activities are ongoing in Kazakhstan and Pakistan.