Turkey has officially joined the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), a collaborative forum with the United States, the European Union and other nations, aimed at enhancing the production and supply of critical raw materials, including rare earth elements, according to sources from Middle East Eye.
A spokesperson from the US State Department confirmed Turkey’s membership, stating that a formal announcement would be made in the coming weeks. Rare earth elements are essential for manufacturing high-tech devices, from smartphones to electric vehicle batteries.
The MSP, launched in 2024, comprises 14 countries and the EU, focusing on diversifying the global supply chain of rare earth minerals to reduce reliance on Chinese dominance. Notably, Turkey announced in 2022 that it had discovered the second-largest rare earth element reserve globally, with a 694-million-tonne deposit in Eskisehir. This find has drawn international interest, particularly from China, which controls over 70% of the rare earth trade.
Turkish officials aim to produce 10,000 tonnes of rare earth oxides annually, along with other minerals crucial for various industries. Membership in the MSP could significantly influence Western policies on critical raw materials and facilitate project funding to accelerate Turkey’s production capabilities.
Ankara is working to establish the necessary infrastructure for mineral extraction and refining, seeking investment and technical assistance from Western partners. This move is particularly intriguing as Turkey has been negotiating with China for two years regarding the mining of these rare earth elements.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar is scheduled to visit China in October to further discussions and explore partnerships beyond the MSP. Turkish officials emphasize the importance of domestic production, stating they won’t finalize any agreements with China unless the terms include local processing of the extracted materials.
As the EU looks to strengthen its ties with Turkey, it has initiated a two-year project worth €12 million to enhance Turkey’s rare earth mineral ecosystem. This initiative aims to bolster local research capabilities and provide training for small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector.
EU officials have recognized rare earth elements as critical for the ongoing industrial and energy transitions. With Turkey holding a significant portion of global boron reserves and expanding its role in rare earth production, it could position itself as a key player in the future supply chain.
Despite the potential for cooperation, challenges remain, particularly in quickly mobilizing European companies to assist in mineral extraction. As negotiations with China continue, the outcome will significantly impact Turkey’s ability to establish itself as a competitive force in the global rare earth market.
