RARE EARTH ELEMENTS IN TURKİYE: RESERVES, NATIONAL INTERESTS, AND INTERNATIONAL IMPLICATIONS

This study explores Türkiye’s rare earth element (REE) reserves and their multifaceted implications for national development and global geopolitics. With a global shift towards renewable energy and advanced technologies, REEs—particularly heavy elements like dysprosium and terbium—have gained strate...

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Published in:TURAN : stratejik arastirmalar merkezi Vol. 17; no. 66; pp. 206 - 214
Main Author: Cora, Ali Nazmi
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Kars Sage Publishers’ House 01.04.2025
Sage Yayınları
TURAN-SAM (TURAN Stratejik Arastirmalar Merkezi)
Subjects:
Alternative energy sources
Ambiguity
Economic development
Economic growth
Energy and Environmental Studies
Energy development
Environmental conditions
Environmental policy
Extraction
Geography
Geopolitics
Infrastructure
Innovations
International collaboration
International trade
Lead
Mineral reserves
Minerals
Mining industry
National development
National security
Positioning
Rare earth elements
Recycling
Reforms
Renewable energy
Renewable resources
Resource management
Supply
Supply chains
Technological change
Middle East
Turkey
Australia
China
Europe
Rare Earth Elements
Sustainable Mining
Strategic Resources
Geopolitics
ISSN:1308-8041, 1309-4033
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:This study explores Türkiye’s rare earth element (REE) reserves and their multifaceted implications for national development and global geopolitics. With a global shift towards renewable energy and advanced technologies, REEs—particularly heavy elements like dysprosium and terbium—have gained strategic importance. Türkiye holds considerable potential with over 4.4 million tons of rare earth oxides, positioning itself as a potential supplier to Europe and the Middle East. The paper examines the geological distribution, extraction techniques, and market dynamics shaping Türkiye’s REE sector. Despite rich reserves, limitations in processing infrastructure, policy ambiguity, and environmental concerns hinder development. The study discusses the strategic importance of REEs for Türkiye’s political, military, and economic security, alongside the challenges of aligning national interests with sustainable resource management. The international landscape is also addressed, analyzing Türkiye’s role within global supply chains dominated by China, and identifying emerging diplomatic and trade strategies. Technological innovations in extraction and recycling are reviewed, along with Türkiye’s legislative framework and regulatory efforts aimed at fostering a secure and environmentally responsible REE sector. The paper concludes that Türkiye’s future as a key REE player depends on balancing national interests with international collaboration, institutional reform, and technological investment. Türkiye’s strategic geography, combined with rising demand for non-Chinese REE sources, gives it a unique opportunity to become a central actor in global energy and technology transitions.
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ISSN:1308-8041
1309-4033