Emphasis on Responsible Mining at COP31 in Antalya

Mehmet Yilmaz, President of the Turkish Miners Association (TMD), stated in evaluations made within the scope of COP31 held in Antalya that responsible mining, complying with environmental and social responsibility principles alongside the increasing need for critical minerals in the energy transition, has become strategic.

Mehmet Yilmaz, President of the Turkish Miners Association (TMD), stated that with the increasing need for critical minerals in the energy transition, the reliable supply of these resources and production in compliance with environmental and social responsibility principles have gained importance, noting that responsible mining has become strategic in terms of the sector's access to finance and social acceptance. Yilmaz made evaluations within the scope of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) held in Antalya.

Stating that the new energy system, ranging from renewable energy technologies to electric vehicles, batteries, and energy transmission infrastructure, relies on the raw materials provided by the mining sector, Yilmaz pointed out that with the widespread adoption of clean energy technologies, the demand for copper, lithium, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements will also increase. Yilmaz emphasized that Turkey must diversify its production portfolio in line with global needs while preserving its strength in traditional production areas.

Explaining that a different investment and incentive approach is needed for each mineral, Yilmaz highlighted the importance of discovering new resources and developing refining capacity especially in copper, investigating the potential of minerals used in storage technologies, and investing in separation technologies for rare earth elements. Stating that the sector's primary expectation is the preparation of roadmaps specifically for strategic minerals, Yilmaz conveyed that Turkey's geographical location offers the country the opportunity to become a regional mineral processing and supply hub.