Speaking at the second boron workshop, Dönmez explained that Turkey has strengthened its leading position in the global boron market with a market share of more than 62 percent.

Recalling that Eti Maden broke a record with its sales of refined boron, Dönmez said:

“In the first month of 2023, we are commissioning our boron carbide plant with a capacity of 1,000 tons. We laid the foundation 3 years ago. Turkey will now be the new address for boron carbide, which is very important in the field of national defense and in foreign markets, used in the production of wear-resistant machinery parts and in nuclear power plants.”

LITHIUM PRODUCTION FROM BORON LIQUID WASTE

Dönmez stated that they produced lithium from liquid boron waste with a method applied for the first time in the world for electric mobility, which has become widespread with electric vehicles.

Emphasizing that they started the first phase of production with a pilot plant with 10 tons per year, Dönmez said: “In January 2023, we will hold the tender for our lithium carbonate plant in Kırka, which will produce 600 tons per year. We will lay the foundations of our facilities as soon as possible. In the future, we will lay the foundation for our second lithium carbonate plant, which will produce 100 tons per year in Bandırma. Thus, by producing 700 tons of lithium annually at our two facilities, we will produce 50 percent of Turkey’s lithium needs domestically at the Eti Maden facility.

Dönmez also affirmed that in 2023 the first steps of the gas pipeline, which is much talked about, will be taken and that the roadmap on this issue will be shared with the public. (AA)