Turkey

2024 Report

Full data release with tables here.

Introduction 

In 2024, Turkey produced a large number of metals and industrial minerals; In 2024, Turkey was the world’s leading producer of boron (excluding the production of the United States), accounting for most of the world’s production although an exact percentage remained unavailable owing to the different forms of boron produced, and pumice and pumicite (accounting for 48% of world production). It was also the 2d-ranked producer of chromite ore (19%), feldspar (17%), perlite (30%), and soda ash (natural, 33%; total, 9%); 3d-ranked producer of bentonite (13%); 4th-ranked producer of cement (2.2%, tied with the United States), industrial sand and gravel (3.2%), and magnesium compounds, (excluding the production of the United States, 7.6%); 5th-ranked producer of diatomite (5.9%), and magnesium metal (1.4%, tied with Kazakhstan); 6th-ranked producer of antimony (2.5%), barite, (excluding the production of the United States, 3.3%), and gypsum (6.2%); 7th-ranked producer of fuller’s earth (0.6%), raw steel (2.0%, tied with Germany), and talc and pyrophyllite (4.2%); 8th-ranked producer of kaolin (4.1%), salt (3.1%), vermiculite (2.8%), and zeolites (natural, 4.6%); 9th-ranked producer of lime (1.0%, tied with Iran), and mica (natural, 2.6%); and 10th-ranked producer of cobalt (0.7%), and pig iron (0.6%). Turkey was also a significant global producer of alumina, bauxite, graphite, iron ore, lead, phosphate rock, and selenium (Brioche, 2026a, b; Crangle, 2026a–c; Ewing, 2026; Flanagan, 2026; Goodin, 2026; Hatfield, 2026; Jasinski, 2026a, b; Kim, 2026; Klochko, 2026a, b; Londono, 2026a, b; MacGregor, 2026a–c; Merrill, 2026a, b; Schulte, 2026; Simmons, 2026a–d; Stewart, 2026; Tuck, 2026). 

Minerals in the National Economy 

In 2024, Turkey’s nominal gross domestic product (GDP) was \$1.36 trillion. Real GDP increased by 3.3% in 2024, compared with an increase of 5.0% (revised) in 2023. The inflation rate in Turkey in 2024 was 58.5%, according to the International Monetary Fund. As a result, Turkey’s gold sector retained an outsized importance in the economy, owing to gold being used by the population as a hedge against inflation. In 2024, the manufacturing sector accounted for the highest share of GDP among economic sectors, at 16.8%, compared with 19.5% in 2023. The real gross value added by the manufacturing sector decreased by 0.5% in 2024. Mining and quarrying accounted for 0.9% of the nominal GDP in 2024, compared with 1.0% in 2023. The real gross value added by mining and quarrying increased by 0.9% in 2024 (Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu, 2025; International Monetary Fund, 2026, p. 3). 

Government Policies and Programs 

In Turkey, underground resources are subject to the exclusive ownership and disposition of the Government. Only Turkish citizens and companies established under Turkish laws are entitled to hold mining rights; however, this includes foreign capital companies established in Turkey for mining purposes. The exploration and mining of minerals are regulated under the Mining Law No. 3213 of June 1985 (“Mining Law”). The latest amendment, Law No. 7501 on Amendments to the Mining Law and Certain Other Laws, entered into force on May 11, 2024. Companies are now only required to report reserves and operation targets under the National Mineral Resource and Reserve Reporting Commission (UMREK) Code for Group IV mining licenses, which include metallic ores, but also boron, coal, and soda ash. Reporting remains voluntary for other mining groups, such as cementitious construction materials, decorative and construction stones, salts, precious and semiprecious stones, and radioactive materials. In September 2024, Turkey joined the Minerals Security Partnership, led by the European Union and the United States, indicating the Government’s desire to collaborate with Western nations in the field of critical minerals (Ardiyok and Kil, 2022; FAOLEX Database, 2023; Çakmak, 2024; Directorate General for Trade and Economic Security, 2024; European Commission, 2026). 

Production 

Data on mineral production are in the Production table (formerly table 1). 

Structure of the Mineral Industry 

Turkey’s industrial minerals and metals were mainly produced by private domestic companies, but state-owned enterprises were active in the globally important production of boron and soda ash (with a minority stake), as well as in the production of sulfuric acid (also with a minority stake). The facilities table (formerly Table 2) is a list of major mines and mineral industry facilities. 

In late 2022, the new Regulation on Mining of December 11 was approved, taking effect in early 2023. Major updates included that shareholding changes of more than 10% would require approval from Maden ve Petrol İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü (MAPEG) [General Directorate of Mining and Petroleum Affairs], rather than just a notification to MAPEG as previously. Major changes, such as mergers and demergers, would be considered license transfers, requiring payment of transfer fees to secure MAPEG’s approval. In addition, it would no longer be sufficient to obtain an exploration or operation certificate for some mining activities, as previously required. Obtaining a license for all exploration and operation activities related to mines became mandatory (Ardiyok and Kil, 2022; Paksoy, 2023; Sakar Law Office, undated). 

MAPEG, within the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, is the primary mineral regulatory agency and is responsible for issuing mineral licenses and permits in Turkey. An approved EIA must be obtained before commencing mining activities and the issuance of any other required licenses or permits by MAPEG. In 2024, there were 4,418 active mining and quarrying operations in Turkey, out of a total of 14,276 total active mining licenses. Of the active operations in 2024, 2,792 were for stone, 1,273 for industrial raw materials, energy raw materials, and metals, 294 for construction materials such as clays and sand and gravel, 53 for salts and gases other than natural gas, and 6 for precious and semiprecious minerals. There were 898 applications for new licenses in 2024, compared with 1,198 in 2023 (Ardiyok and Kil, 2022; Maden ve Petrol İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü, 2026a, b). 

Mineral Trade 

In 2024, Turkey’s total exports increased by 2% compared with that in 2023, to \$262 billion. Turkey’s leading mineral-related exports were iron, steel, and articles of iron and steel, valued at \$20.0 billion; followed by mineral fuels, \$16.5 billion; and aluminum and articles thereof, \$5.2 billion. In 2024, total imports to Turkey decreased by 5% compared with that in 2023, to \$344 billion. Turkey’s leading mineral-related imports were mineral fuels, valued at \$66 billion; iron, steel, and articles of iron and steel, \$28 billion; precious metals, stones, and pearls, including jewelry, \$25 billion; and aluminum and articles thereof, and copper and articles thereof, $6 billion each (Trade Data Monitor LLC, 2026). 

The value of exported raw minerals, excluding mineral fuels, increased by 4.6% to \$6.0 billion (2.3% of total exports). Of this, metallic ores constituted \$2.3 billion; natural stones, \$1.9 billion; industrial raw materials, such as nonmetallic ores (for example, boron and feldspar), \$1.1 billion; and ferroalloys, \$0.2 billion. The leading Turkish raw material exports by value were processed marble, valued at \$907 million; followed by copper ores, \$664 million; raw blocks of marble and travertine, \$616 million; chromium ores, \$405 million; and zinc ores, \$402 million; processed travertine, \$306 million; feldspar, \$260 million; borates, \$238 million; precious metals (gold, platinum, and silver), \$204 million; and lead ores, \$199 million. In 2024, by value, Turkey exported the most raw materials to China, \$1.7 billion (5.2% increase compared with that in 2023), followed by the United States, \$506 million (3.0% increase); Bulgaria, \$456 million (56% increase); India, \$259 million (1.5% increase); Spain, \$250 million (24% increase); and Italy, \$214 million (4% decrease) (Istanbul Mineral Exporters’ Association, 2025, p. 2–4, 13–17). 

In the period from 2021 through 2024, Turkey was a major source of United States imports for the following commodities with a high United States net import reliance: bauxite (16% of United States imports originated in Turkey), cement (32%), magnesium (metal, 31%, and total, 11%), and silver (5%). Turkey was also the leading source of imports to the United States of boron (90% of United States imports originated in Turkey), feldspar (93%), and soda ash (89%). In addition, Turkey provided 18% of United States imports of zinc ores and concentrates (Brioche, 2026a; Hartingh, 2026; Hatfield, 2026; Londono, 2026b; MacGregor, 2026c; Merrill, 2026a; Simmons, 2026b; Tolcin, 2026).   

Commodity Review 

Alumina, Aluminum, and Bauxite.—In 2024, Turkey produced 3.66 million metric tons (Mt) of bauxite, a 25% increase compared with production in 2023. The country was estimated to have produced about 80,000 metric tons (t) of aluminum and 300,000 t of alumina. Eti Alüminyum A.Ş. mined bauxite near Madenli, south of Seydisehir, in Konya Province, and owned the Seydişehir Plant, which was the only integrated alumina and aluminum plant in Turkey. The plant had the capacity to process 500,000 metric tons per year (t/yr) of bauxite and produce an estimated 260,000 t/yr of alumina, about 80,000 t/yr of primary aluminum via electrolysis, and 150,000 t/yr of aluminum products. In 2024, Eti Alüminyum was preparing for the planned 2025 commissioning of a line producing special alumina with high heat resistance; the company had a special alumina production capacity of 40,000 t/yr. The company was also planning to construct a new rolling mill in 2026, with an initial additional capacity of 100,000 t/yr of aluminum products, with potential expansion to 250,000 t/yr (Facilities table; Production table; Kurum, 2024; Eti Alüminyum, 2025, undated). 

Standard Boksit İşletmeleri A.Ş. (Standard Boksit), 100% owned by Verusa Holding, operated 22 bauxite mines in eight provinces, of which 13 are in Antalya Province. From August to November 2024, Standard Boksit sold bauxite valued at \$31.2 million from its Tufanbeyli Mine in Adana Province through investment firm Investco Holding (Taşlı, 2024). 

Boron.—Turkey was the primary producer of raw and refined boron in the world and had the largest reserves in the world. In 2024, Turkey produced 5.95 Mt of boron (run-of-mine), which was a 43% increase compared with that in 2023. Eti Maden İşletmeleri Genel Müdürlüğü (Eti Maden), a 100% Government-owned organization, was the sole producer of boron in Turkey, according to Law No. 2840 of 1983. Total boron reserves in Turkey in 2024 were 3,220 Mt. Turkey’s main boron deposits were Emet, a colemanite-ulexite-probertite deposit in Kutahya Province, containing 56% of Turkey’s boron reserves; Kirka, a tincal deposit in Eskisehir Province, 25%; and Bigadic, a colemanite-ulexite deposit in Balikesir Province, 19% (Production table; Eti Maden İşletmeleri Genel Müdürlüğü, 2025a, p. 22; 2025b, p. 8, 9; Brioche, 2026). 

Eti Maden had a production capacity of 2.75 million metric tons per year (Mt/yr) of refined boron products. The company produced 2.35 Mt of refined borates in 2024, an increase of 22% compared with 1.92 Mt in 2023. The company mainly produced borax pentahydrate, boric acid, and ground colemanite. Eti Maden’s global market share for refined borates was 61% in 2024. The company sold 2.5 Mt of borates in 2024 (an increase of 40% compared with that in 2023) valued at \$1.32 billion (an increase of 30%). Exports, 97% of which were refined boron products, comprised about 96% of the Eti Maden’s sales. Countries in Asia received 63% of the company’s exports, followed by Europe, 20%, and the Americas, 16% (Production table; Eti Maden İşletmeleri Genel Müdürlüğü, 2025a, p. 4, 27, 28; 2025b, p. 2). 

Construction continued at the Eti Maden’s ferroboron production facility in Bandirma, Balikesir Province, with a capacity of 800 t/yr, with production estimated to start in 2025. Eti Maden underwent studies for a sodium borohydride pilot plant with a capacity of 10 t/yr at Bandirma, as well as studies to upgrade the 10-t/yr pilot lithium carbonate production facility at Kirka in Eskisehir Province to a total capacity of 600 t/yr, aiming to recover lithium from waste generated during boron production (Eti Maden İşletmeleri Genel Müdürlüğü, 2025a, p. 28; 2025b, p. 17, 18). 

Cement.—In 2024, Turkey’s cement production increased by 4% to 84.8 Mt; clinker production increased by 6% to 77.5 Mt. Total grey cement production capacity was 149 Mt/yr, thus the cement capacity utilization rate was 60%. Total clinker production capacity was 101 Mt/yr, and the clinker capacity utilization rate was 81%. The Turkish cement industry included 58 integrated plants, and 19 grinding plants, and employed 12,500 people. In 2024, Turkey exported 13.0 Mt of cement to 84 countries, a 15% decrease compared with 15.2 Mt in 2023. Turkey also exported 5.2 Mt of clinker to 31 countries. The United States received about 6.58 Mt of cement (51% of total cement exports), followed by Syria, 0.95 Mt (7%); Italy, 0.89 Mt (7%); Israel, 0.80 Mt (6%); and Albania, 0.65 Mt (5%). The leading cause of the decrease in cement exports was Turkey’s April 2024 ban on exports to Israel, applicable to 54 commodities, including cement; as a result, Turkey exported 2.7 Mt less cement to Israel compared with that in 2023 (Production table; Wrobel, 2024; Türkiye Çimento Sanayicileri Birliği, 2024, 2025a–d; Cemnet, 2026). 

Chromium.—In 2024, Turkey produced 9.3 Mt of chromite ore (run-of-mine), an increase of 14% compared with production in 2023. In 2024, the Yıldırım Group owned, via YılMaden Holding, the company Eti Krom A.Ş. At the end of 2024, Yıldırım Group split into CoreX Holdings BV and ARY Holding, with the latter company taking over Eti Krom. Eti Krom’s production capacity was 1.0 Mt/yr of metallurgical and refractory chromium ore, and 160,000 t/yr of ferrochromium. In 2023, the latest year for which information was available, Eti Krom produced 33,471 t of ferrochromium, 484,271 t of chromite ore (28-46% grade) in the Kef Mining Directorate, and 50,614 t of low-alumina chromite ore in the Dereboyu Mining Directorate. The company expected to produce about 34,000 t of ferrochromium and 700,000 t of chromite ore in 2024, but actual production numbers remained unavailable (Facilities table; Production table; Yıldırım Group, 2024, p. 38, 39, 42; Okyay, 2025). 

Cobalt and Nickel.—Meta Nikel Kobalt Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Meta Nikel) operated Turkey’s only concentrated nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) high-pressure acid leaching processing plant, in Gordes, Manisa Province. In 2024, the Gordes Plant produced about 8,500 t of Ni content in nickel-cobalt mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), a 4.5% increase compared with production in 2023. The plant produced 324 t of Co content in MHP in 2022, the latest year for which information was available. Meta Nikel exported all of its production. The company mined nickel from the Manisa-Gordes deposit containing proven and probable reserves of 44.6 Mt of ore (grading at 0.63% Ni, 0.03% Co); and the Eskisehir deposit near Yunusemre, containing 38.4 Mt (grading at 0.69% Ni, 0.04% Co). Meta Nikel’s processing plant had the capacity to process 1.7 Mt/yr of ore and produce 10,000 t/yr of nickel and 750 t/yr of cobalt, as MHP, containing 36-40% Ni and 1.8-2.2% Co. The company announced plans to increase its capacity to 15,000 t/yr of nickel (Facilities table; Production table; Birol, 2023, p. 9, 10, 16–18, 24, 27–29; Zorlu Holding, 2025, p. 34, 132). 

Copper, Lead, and Zinc.—In 2024, Turkey produced about 936,000 t of copper concentrates, a 12% decrease compared with production in 2023, with an estimated copper content of 127,000 t. The country mined about 253,000 t of lead ore, a 35% decrease compared with production in 2023, with an estimated lead content of 66,000 t. Turkey also produced about 143,000 t of zinc (elemental content), a 3.4% increase compared with production in 2023 (Production table). 

Çayeli Bakır İşletmeleri A.Ş., a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals Ltd. of Canada, owned the Çayeli underground copper mine in Rize Province. In 2024, the company produced copper and zinc concentrates, containing 11,491 t of copper and 2,629 t of zinc. Copper output increased by 4% owing to higher copper grades, whereas zinc output decreased by 27% owing to lower throughput and recovery. The company expected to produce about 10,000 t of copper and 3,500 t of zinc in 2025 (Facilities table; First Quantum Minerals Ltd., 2025, p. 38, 76). 

In 2024, Pasinex Resources Ltd. (Pasinex) held a 50% interest in the Pinargozu Mine through local subsidiary Horzum A.Ş. In 2024, 3,601 t of zinc was produced at the Pinargozu Mine, a decrease of about 55% compared with that in 2023, owing to ongoing legal disputes, which also led to paused exploration. The average grade of the company’s zinc concentrate increased to 51.5% in 2024 from 48.9% in 2023 (Facilities table; Pasinex Resources Ltd., 2025, p. 1, 2). 

In 2024, Gümüştaş Madencilik ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Gümüştaş) began commercial recovery of lead and zinc from its Niğde-Bolkar Mine’s sulfide zone, a project first announced in 2021. In September 2024, Doğan Holding acquired 75% of shares in Gümüştaş for \$123 million (Facilities table; Doğan Holding, 2024; Gümüştaş Madencilik ve Ticaret A.Ş., 2026). 

Feldspar.—Turkey produced an estimated 5.3 Mt of feldspar in 2024, a 14% decrease compared with production in 2023. One of the leading feldspar producers in Turkey was Kaltun Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Kaltun Maden). The company also produced mica and quartz. In 2024, Kaltun Maden held mining licenses for a total of 61 sites in Aydin, Bursa, Eskisehir and Mugla Provinces. While a more detailed breakdown between produced mineral commodities was unavailable, the company sold a total of 1.80 Mt of raw materials in 2024, a 1% decrease compared with that in 2023. Kaltun Maden was a leading feldspar exporter in Turkey, exporting to more than 50 countries, including the United States. Esan Eczacıbaşı Industrial Raw Materials Co. also produced feldspar at its mines and processing facilities in Milas and Yenikoy, Mugla Province (Facilities table; Production table; Kaltun Maden, 2025, p. 4, 8–10). 

Gold and Silver.—In 2024, Turkey’s gold production decreased to 31,680 kilograms (kg), a 13% decrease compared with that in 2023, primarily owing to the Çöpler Mine not being active since an accident on February 13. In 2024, gold production at the Çöpler Mine was 877 kg, an 87% decrease compared with 6,874 kg in 2023. Turkish gold production comprised about 1% of world production. Turkey had 21 gold mines, of which 3 were depleted and 1 was inactive, operated by 15 companies. Turkey remained a major gold importer globally, as the population used gold as a hedge against high inflation. In 2024, the country’s gold imports were valued at \$17.1 billion, a decrease of 43% compared with a record \$30.2 billion in 2023 (Facilities table; Production table; SSR Mining Inc., 2025, p. 105; Altın Madencileri Derneği, 2026a, b; Sheaffer, 2026).  

Anagold Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., which was majority owned by SSR Mining Inc. (SSR Mining) of Canada, operated the Çöpler Mine since 2010. On February 13, 2024, SSR Mining suspended operations at the Çöpler Mine owing to a significant slip on the heap leach pad, which led to nine deaths. Operations remained suspended through the end of 2024, and the company did not know when, or if, they would restart. In 2024, gold production at the Çöpler Mine was 28,206 troy ounces, or 877 kg, an 87% decrease compared with the 2023 production of 220,999 troy ounces, or 6,874 kg. As of yearend 2024, proven and probable gold reserves were 43.1 Mt at an average grade of 2.39 g/t (103 t gold content); proven and probable silver reserves were 190 t of silver content, at an average grade of 4.41 g/t (Facilities table; SSR Mining Inc., 2025, p. 2, 50, 51, 105).  

Tüprag Metal Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Tüprag), a wholly owned subsidiary of Eldorado Gold Corp. of Canada, operated the Kisladag open pit gold porphyry mine and Efemcukuru underground intermediate sulfidation epithermal vein mine. The 2024 production of gold at the Kisladag Mine was 5,414 kg, at an average grade of 0.81 g/t, an increase of 12% compared with 4,816 kg in 2023. As of September 2024, the Kisladag deposit had remaining proven and probable reserves of 168 Mt, at a grade of 0.66 g/t (111 t of gold). The environmental license and permit for the Kisladag Mine were renewed in October 2024 and were expected to remain valid until at least June 2028. In 2024, Tüprag’s gold production at the Efemcukuru Mine was 2,493 kg, at an average grade of 5.39 g/t, a decrease of 7% compared with 2,678 kg in 2023. The Efemcukuru deposit had proven and probable reserves of 4.42 Mt, at a grade of 4.77 g/t (21 t of gold) (Facilities table; Eldorado Gold Corp., 2025, p. 11, 17, 20, 24, 27). 

In 2024, Turkey produced about 65,850 kg of silver, a decrease of 31% compared with production in 2023. Turkey’s silver production has been on a steady decline since 2021. The leading silver mine in Turkey was the open pit Gümüşköy Mine in Kutahya Province, with a nominal capacity of 350,000 kilograms per year (kg/yr) of silver. The Gümüşköy Mine was operated by Eti Gümüş A.Ş., a subsidiary of Yıldızlar SSS Holding A.Ş. In early March 2025, employees of the company claimed they had not been paid since December 2024 (Facilities table; Production table; Canbaz, 2025; Yildizlar SSS Holding A.Ş., undated). 

Iron and Steel.—In 2024, Turkey mined 20.3 Mt of iron ore (gross weight), a 21% increase compared with that in 2023; the iron content was estimated to be 13.5 Mt. Turkey also produced 10.2 Mt of pig iron in 2024, an increase of 17% compared with that in 2023. Turkey’s raw steel output in 2024 was 36.9 Mt, an increase of 9.4% compared with that in 2023. In the second half of 2023, steel production capacity increased by 6 Mt/yr. Higher capacity and reconstruction efforts after the 2023 earthquake led to an increase in steel production in 2024 compared with 2023. The country had 27 electric arc furnace (EAF) plants, 11 induction furnace plants, and 3 basic oxygen furnace (BOF) plants. The steel sector was the fifth largest exporter in Turkey by value, with a share of 6.2% of total exports in 2024 (Facilities table; Production table; Erdemir, 2024, p. 2; Erdemir 2025, p. 57; World Steel Association, 2025, p. 9–10, 18; Türkiye Çelik İhracatçıları Birliği, 2026). 

The OYAK Group, which ultimately included Ereğli Demir ve Çelik Fabrikalari T.A.Ş. (Erdemir) and İskenderun Demir ve Çelik A.Ş. (Isdemir), produced about 8.5 Mt of raw steel, accounting for about 23% of Turkey’s output in 2024. Of raw steel production, about 3.3 Mt was produced at the Eregli plant, a 15% increase compared with that in 2023; and about 5.4 Mt at the Iskenderun plant, a 22% increase. The raw steel capacity utilization ratio was 89% in 2024, an increase compared with 75% in 2023. The conglomerate also produced 7.1 Mt of flat finished products, and 1.0 Mt of long finished products. Erdemir had an annual capacity to produce about 4 Mt/yr of raw steel and 5 Mt/yr of steel products. Isdemir's annual capacity was 5.8 Mt/yr of raw steel and 6.6 Mt/yr of steel products. The OYAK Group also included Erdemir Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Erdemir Maden), which mined about a third of Turkey’s iron ore from its 12 mines, and operated concentration and pellet plants in Sivas Province. Erdemir Maden had a production capacity of 1.5 Mt/yr of iron pellets and 750,000 t/yr of lump iron ore. Erdemir and its subsidiaries mined 2.5 Mt of iron ore and magnesite in 2024, compared with 2.2 Mt in 2023 (Facilities table; Erdemir, 2025, p. 20, 74, 75). 

In 2024, Turkey was the fifth-ranked exporter of steel (excluding the European Union) with 17.0 Mt of exports, and the second-ranked importer of steel (excluding the European Union) with 19.7 Mt of imports. Turkey also remained among the leading global importers of ferrous scrap, with about 21.6 Mt of imports in 2024. The country’s exports of raw steel and steel products were valued at \$16.1 billion in 2024, accounting for 6.2% of total exports. By weight, steel exports in 2024 increased by 22% compared with those in 2023; imports increased by 4%. Long products comprised 41% of Turkey’s steel exports; flat products, 33%; tubes and pipe, 13%; and other products, 13%. Turkey’s main export region for steel was the European Union (EU), with 6.8 Mt of steel exported, followed by other European countries, 3.0 Mt; the Middle East, 2.6 Mt; north Africa, 1.7 Mt; South America, 1.3 Mt; and North America, 1.0 Mt (World Steel Association, 2025, p. 22, 27; Türkiye Çelik İhracatçıları Birliği, 2026). 

Magnesium and Magnesium Compounds.—In 2024, Turkey produced 1.60 Mt of magnesite ore, which was a 20% increase compared with that in 2023, and an estimated 15,000 t of magnesium metal, an estimated 15% increase compared with that in 2023. The country was a leading source of magnesium for the United States, providing about 31% of magnesium metal imports in the 2021 through 2024 period, and 11% of total magnesium imports. Erdemir’s subsidiary Kümaş Manyezit Sanayi A.Ş. produced magnesite ore at its mines in Eskisehir, Konya, and Kutahya, and dead-burned magnesia and fused magnesia at its plant in Kutahya. Kar Mineral Madencilik A.Ş. was the sole magnesium metal producer in Turkey; it operated a 15,000-t/yr magnesium smelter in Tepekoy village, Afyonkarahisar Province (Facilities table; Production table; Kümaş Manyezit Sanayi A.Ş., 2024; Erdemir, 2025, p. 22; Londono, 2026b). 

Soda Ash.—Turkey produced an estimated 6.1 Mt of soda ash in 2024, an estimated 2% increase compared with production in 2023. Turkey’s leading producers of soda ash were Eti Soda A.Ş.,  Kazan Soda Elektrik Üretim A.Ş. (Kazan Soda), and Soda Sanayii A.Ş. Eti Soda was 74% owned by West East Soda Ltd. (WE Soda) and 26% by Eti Maden; Kazan Soda was wholly owned by WE Soda; and Soda Sanayii was wholly owned by Türkiye Şişe ve Cam Fabrikaları A.Ş. (ŞİŞECAM). ŞİŞECAM reported a worldwide production of 4.56 Mt of soda ash, of which 33%, or about 1.5 Mt, was produced in Turkey. The company’s soda ash production capacity in Turkey was about 1.5 Mt/yr in 2024. The company planned to increase the plant’s capacity by 175,000 t/yr by 2026 (Facilities table; ŞİŞECAM, 2024, p. 11, 14; 2025, p. 9, 12). 

In 2024, WE Soda plants in Turkey produced a total of 5.10 Mt of soda ash and sodium bicarbonate, a 2% increase in production compared with that in 2023. Specifically, Kazan Soda produced about 2.87 Mt of soda ash and 233,000 t of sodium bicarbonate in 2024, an increase of 3% compared with that in 2023. The increase was owing to a 0.2-Mt/yr expansion completed in 2023. Eti Soda produced 1.79 Mt of soda ash and 210,000 t of sodium bicarbonate in 2024, an increase of 2% compared with that in 2023. WE Soda exported 85% of its production by volume (WE Soda Ltd., 2025, p. 40, 41, 55). 

The Eti Soda plant had a production capacity of 2.0 Mt/yr of soda ash and sodium bicarbonate, in three soda ash and two sodium bicarbonate units. Production capacity was expected to remain stable in the future. Eti Soda’s trona field at Beypazari had an estimated useful mine life of 19 years. In 2024, Kazan Soda had a production capacity of about 3.2 Mt/yr in five soda ash and two sodium bicarbonate production units. The Kazan trona field had an estimated useful mine life of 32 years. The company approved a further expansion at Kazan Soda, comprising an additional capacity of 0.5 Mt/yr of soda ash and 0.1 Mt/yr of sodium bicarbonate. Development was postponed to 2025 owing to delays in obtaining permits; first production at the new unit was expected in 2027 (WE Soda, 2024, p. 41; 2025, p. 40, 41, 200). 

Outlook 

Turkey is likely to remain a globally significant producer of boron, cement, chromite, feldspar, magnesium, soda ash, and steel, and a leading producer of gold in the region. Turkish production of boron and soda ash is expected to further increase in the medium term, owing to investments from Eti Maden and WE Soda. Turkish metal production is generally expected to increase in the upcoming years, especially that of critical minerals. For example, Meta Nikel’s expansion at its Gordes site, which produces nickel and cobalt, is expected to increase Turkish nickel and cobalt production in the next half a decade. Gold production was not expected to recover in 2025, owing to the accident at SSR Mining’s Çöpler Mine, the gold mine with the highest production capacity in Turkey. Silver production is expected to continue decreasing owing to financial and personnel issues at the Gümüşköy Mine. 

Production table

(Metric tons, gross weight, unless otherwise specified)

References Cited 

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