Assessment of 3225 Mining License Sites

Minister Alparslan Bayraktar Highlights Importance of Energy and Mining Sector Inspections

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar recently addressed the increasing inspections on mines, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing employees in the sector. As of April 15, a total of 3,225 mining license areas have been inspected, signaling the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and compliance of mining operations.

Attending the ‘Occupational Health and Safety Vision Organization in Mines’ program organized by the Turkish Coal Producers Association (KÖMÜRDER), Minister Bayraktar highlighted the growth of Turkey’s economy despite various challenges such as the pandemic, earthquakes, supply chain issues, and conflicts. He emphasized the need for a sustainable energy and mining sector to support the country’s development goals and achieve net zero emission targets.

Addressing the energy dependency issue, Minister Bayraktar pointed out that a significant portion of Turkey’s energy sources are imported, leading to a current account deficit problem. He stressed the importance of making the country independent in energy and mining by utilizing domestic resources, underground riches, and renewable sources effectively. The implementation of the ‘National Energy and Mining Policy’ aims to enhance investment, production, employment, and exports in the sector.

Highlighting the role of coal in electricity production and primary energy supply, Minister Bayraktar stated the importance of reaching the annual coal production target of 150 million tons for the sector’s growth. He also mentioned the record-breaking performance of the mining sector, with exports reaching 6.5 billion dollars in 2022, demonstrating a positive trend in mineral exports.

In terms of inspections on mines, Minister Bayraktar reported that the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources conducted 8,828 inspections in 2023, resulting in hefty fines and operation stoppages for non-compliance. The focus on enforcing regulations and ensuring safety standards in mining operations is crucial for the sector’s sustainable growth and development.

Overall, Minister Alparslan Bayraktar’s remarks underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing the energy and mining sector through rigorous inspections, policy implementation, and resource utilization, paving the way for a more self-reliant and sustainable future for Turkey.

 

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