If these deposits are processed, their added value to the Turkish economy would amount to nearly $1 trillion, Ümit Akdur, head of the Turkish Gold Miners' Association, told the Anatolia news agency on Monday.
Noting that Turkey spends around $50 billion on imported fuel and raw materials every year, Akdur said Turkey's dependence on foreign countries for fuel and raw materials increases each year. “Although it is possible to supply the required raw materials and minerals through domestic resources in line with the principles of sustainable development, Turkey fails to evaluate its own potential. We do not have to import everything because we already have it. Turkey must use its underground resources to reduce its foreign dependence.”
"Mining is carried out at a depth of 1,500 meters in Europe and 3,600 meters in Africa, but at only 10 meters in Turkey. We need to improve this. For instance, Turkey has potential gold deposits of 6,500 tons. This potential has a financial value of $200 billion. If this potential is processed, its added value to the Turkish economy will amount to about $1 trillion. However, our annual production is currently only 16 tons," he said.
Benzer Haberler 
