Turkey Discovers 12.5 Million-Ton Rare Earth Reserve, Become Third-Largest in the World

Ankara, Turkey: A new discovery in northwestern Turkey could soon place the country among the world’s top holders of rare earth minerals, a category vital to high-tech industries and defense systems. Turkish authorities announced the finding of 12.5 million tonnes of rare-earth oxide (REO) equivalent reserves in the Beylikova district of Eskişehir province, calling it one of the largest deposits ever identified outside China.

The announcement was made by officials from Turkey’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, who confirmed that extensive exploration has been conducted in the area. According to early assessments, the deposit contains not only rare-earth elements but also significant quantities of barite and fluorite, which could strengthen Turkey’s industrial base and export potential.

A Claim Awaiting Confirmation

While the discovery has drawn global attention, experts note that the 12.5-million-tonne figure remains preliminary. At present, there is no independent technical report publicly available that confirms the exact grade or economic viability of the deposit. The figure was first shared by Turkish state media and government officials, and has yet to be verified under international mining standards such as JORC or NI 43-101.

In plain terms, Turkey’s find is real — exploration has taken place, and mineralization has been identified — but the economic potential of the deposit will depend on further testing. Factors like grade, depth, and concentration of valuable elements such as neodymium and dysprosium will determine whether the find can be mined profitably.

If Proven, a Global Game Changer

If independent verification supports the government’s estimate, Turkey would become the third-largest holder of rare-earth reserves in the world, behind China and Brazil. That would mark a major shift in the global rare-earth landscape, which has long been dominated by a handful of nations.

Rare-earth elements are indispensable for producing electric motors, wind turbines, semiconductors, and defense electronics — all sectors growing rapidly amid the green-energy transition and rising geopolitical tensions. Currently, China controls over 70 percent of the global supply chain for these materials.

The Strategic Advantage for Turkey

A confirmed deposit of this scale could provide Turkey with new leverage in global technology and defense markets. It would also strengthen its position as a regional supplier of critical minerals, allowing the country to reduce import dependence and expand industrial capacity.

However, the path from discovery to production is long. Building a processing and refining infrastructure for rare-earth elements is complex and expensive, requiring advanced technology and strict environmental controls. Turkey has announced plans to establish a pilot processing facility in Beylikova, but large-scale commercial output may take several years to materialize.

Global Ranking of Rare-Earth Reserves

According to the latest data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the world’s largest rare-earth reserves are distributed as follows:

1. China – 44 million tonnes

2. Brazil – 21 million tonnes

3. India – 6.9 million tonnes

4. Australia – 5.7 million tonnes

5. Russia – 3.8 million tonnes

6. Vietnam – 3.5 million tonnes

7. United States – 1.9 million tonnes

8. Greenland (Denmark) – 1.5 million tonnes

9. Myanmar/Thailand – smaller but growing reserves

10. African nations – emerging exploration potential

If Turkey’s figures are confirmed, its estimated 12.5 million tonnes of rare-earth reserves would place it directly behind Brazil, surpassing several long-established producers.

A New Player in the Rare-Earth Race

The discovery comes at a time when global competition for critical minerals is intensifying. The U.S., EU, and India are all seeking to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains. Turkey’s entry into the rare-earth race could reshape global alliances and trade patterns — especially if it develops local refining capacity and becomes an exporter of refined oxides or magnets.

For now, the discovery in Eskişehir stands as one of Turkey’s most promising geological findings in decades. The excitement is justified, but the mining world is watching for the next crucial step — independent confirmation of the reserves and a clear plan for sustainable extraction.