A Scientific Perspective on Strategic Resources from TÜBA
Organized in collaboration between TÜBA and Kütahya Dumlupınar University, the “Workshop on Rare Earth Elements: From the Past to the Future in Türkiye and the World” brought together representatives from academia, the public sector, and industry to examine rare earth elements—which hold strategic importance—from a multidimensional perspective.
Held in the Red Hall of the Rectorate at Kütahya Dumlupınar University, the workshop was attended by Kütahya Governor Musa Işın, TÜBA President Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker, Kütahya Dumlupınar University Rector Prof. Dr. Süleyman Kızıltoprak, Kütahya University of Health Sciences Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Tekin, Sivas Science and Technology University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kul, Uşak University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Demir, Eti Maden Deputy General Manager Derya Maraşlıoğlu, President of the Rare Earth Elements Research Institute (NATEN) at the Turkish Energy, Nuclear, and Mining Research Institute (TENMAK) Dr. Belma Soydaş Sözer, TENMAK-BOREN President Dr. Berna Yüksel, MAM Vice President of Materials and Process Technologies Dr. Ersin Üresin, members of the TÜBA Rare Earth Elements Working Group and the TÜBA Science Council, as well as numerous academics, researchers, and students.
Rare Earth Elements: The Strategic Power of the Future
Kütahya Governor Musa Işın expressed his pleasure at participating in the workshop hosted by Kütahya during the opening ceremony. Noting that rare earth elements have reached a level of importance capable of influencing world politics, he reminded the audience that our country also possesses these elements. Governor Işın stated, “Kütahya is a region where numerous elements are mined. We are among the leading cities making a direct contribution to the national economy through this means. The path to our country’s strength in every field lies in our natural resources. I hope this workshop will be beneficial to our country, our province, and our academic community. I congratulate our esteemed Rector for hosting this event. I would like to express my gratitude to the scientists who contributed to the workshop with their academic expertise.”
Rare Earth Elements Determine the Technological and Strategic Power of the Future
Speaking during the opening ceremony, TÜBA President Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker emphasized that rare earth elements are not merely an economic resource today but have also become strategic factors that determine countries’ competitive strength in the fields of technology, defense, energy, and national security. President Prof. Dr. Şeker noted that these elements, which lie at the heart of the global technological transformation, have a wide range of applications—from electric vehicles to renewable energy systems, and from high-tech products to the defense industry—and made the following remarks: “Today, rare earth elements rank among the resources that grant strategic advantages on a global scale to the countries that possess them. Increasing scientific research in this field is of great importance for achieving the goals of technological independence, high-value-added production, and sustainable development. To the extent that Türkiye combines its potential with scientific knowledge, it will have a say in this field on a global scale.”
Emphasizing that environmental sustainability must not be overlooked in the extraction and processing of rare earth elements, Prof. Dr. Şeker stated that the work carried out by TÜBA is grounded in the principles of a scientific approach, environmental responsibility, and social benefit. Prof. Dr. Şeker added, “We view our country’s natural resources not merely as an economic asset, but as a driving force for scientific and technological advancement. As TÜBA, we bring together scientists from various disciplines under a common goal to support the generation of knowledge regarding Türkiye’s strategic resources. This workshop is a prime example of that approach. Every platform where academia, the public sector, and industry act with a shared vision represents a valuable investment in Türkiye’s future.”
Scientific Research Is the Key to Sustainable Development
DPU Rector Prof. Dr. Süleyman Kızıltoprak expressed his honor that Kütahya Dumlupınar University was hosting the first workshop on rare earth elements and stated, “Rare earth elements are the minerals of strategic technological importance in our era. The scientific study of these minerals, which form the cornerstones of everything from renewable energy systems to electric vehicles and the defense industry, makes a significant contribution to our country’s sustainable development,” he said. At the end of his speech, Prof. Dr. Kızıltoprak expressed his gratitude to Kütahya Governor Musa Işın, TÜBA President Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker, and all stakeholders.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Prof. Dr. Zafer Evis, Coordinator of the TÜBA Rare Earth Elements Working Group, outlined the scientific framework of the workshop by providing information on the historical development, classification, production processes, and environmental impacts of rare earth elements.
