T\u00fcrkiye’s mining sector expects to cross the $10 billion (TL 424.46 billion) export threshold in 2026, driven by a stronger investment appetite and growing demand for critical minerals, the head of the top association said Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Exports reached $5.1 billion in the first 10 months of 2025, and meeting medium-term economic targets will require expanding capacity in metallic minerals and industrial raw materials, according to Turkish Miners Association (TMD) President Mehmet Y\u0131lmaz.<\/p>\n
He spoke to Anadolu Agency (AA) ahead of Dec. 4 \u2013 World Miners Day.<\/p>\n
Y\u0131lmaz pointed to the World Bank’s latest Commodity Markets Outlook, noting that demand for copper, nickel and lithium is set to continue rising through 2026.<\/p>\n
He said T\u00fcrkiye’s ability to shift from exporting raw ores toward semi-processed or end-use products would be central to lifting export revenues into the medium-term target range.<\/p>\n
“Our goal for next year is not just to pass the $10 billion mark \u2013 we aim to settle firmly into the $11-12 billion range,” Y\u0131lmaz said, noting that expectations of a global rate-cut cycle and an improvement in industrial output strengthen the likelihood of T\u00fcrkiye reaching that band.<\/p>\n
He also explained that selective credit mechanisms under T\u00fcrkiye’s medium-term program are supporting investment appetite, particularly in value-added processing. Prioritizing processed output in chromium, copper and aluminum, rather than exporting raw ore, is expected to lift unit prices.<\/p>\n
According to Y\u0131lmaz, 2026 will mark a structural shift from volume-driven growth to a value-focused production model.<\/p>\n
The TMD head said improvements in predictability regarding forest and pasture permits during 2025 have already begun easing project bottlenecks.<\/p>\n
He recalled that regulations enacted on July 24 simplified environmental impact assessment, forest and pasture authorizations, and were followed by digitalization steps such as e-Government-based applications, three-month approval timelines and up to 24 months of cost-free pre-permission periods.<\/p>\n
“These steps are already easing the pressure on projects and creating a more predictable permitting environment,” Yilmaz said, emphasizing that the reforms will significantly reduce cash-flow strain during exploration phases and pave the way for faster investment decisions in 2026.<\/p>\n
Gold production<\/p>\n
Commenting on T\u00fcrkiye’s limits on unprocessed gold imports, Y\u0131lmaz said the monthly 12-ton cap reflects broader economic conditions but stressed that a sustainable solution depends on higher domestic output.<\/p>\n
He noted that global gold demand remains elevated and said T\u00fcrkiye is on track to approach the 2020 output level of 42 tons again as new mines start operating.<\/p>\n
“As permitting improves and investment appetite strengthens, we see a clear pathway toward lifting domestic gold output into the 50-60 ton range from 2026 onward,” he said, adding that higher production would ease import pressure and help narrow the gold component of T\u00fcrkiye’s current account deficit.<\/p>\n
REEs to remain at center of mining debate<\/p>\n
Furthermore, Y\u0131lmaz said 2025 has been marked by heightened geopolitical sensitivity around rare earth elements (REEs),<\/a> and strong demand linked to energy transition technologies suggests these materials will remain high on the agenda in 2026.<\/p>\n
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