土耳其曾放话：若想开发本国稀土矿，中国必须转移稀土加工技术

Core Insights - Turkey has discovered a significant rare earth mineral deposit in the Beylikova region of Eskişehir province, with an estimated reserve of 694 million tons, making it the second-largest globally after China [1][3]. Group 1: Importance of Rare Earth Elements - Rare earth elements are crucial for various industries, including electric vehicle batteries, military equipment, and smartphone chips, highlighting Turkey's potential economic opportunity from this discovery [3]. - Turkey has a history in mining, primarily exporting boron minerals, and the discovery of rare earths is seen as a major economic boon [3]. Group 2: Processing and Technology Transfer - Turkey lacks experience in rare earth processing and has historically relied on imported refined products for domestic needs [5]. - A pilot project was initiated in mid-2023 to establish a small processing plant with a target of processing 12,000 tons of ore annually, aiming for a future capacity of 50,000 tons [5]. - Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has emphasized the need for foreign investment and technology to convert raw materials into high-value products [7]. Group 3: Negotiation Challenges - Negotiations for technology transfer began in spring 2024, with initial positive interactions leading to a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in mining, nuclear energy, and renewable energy [9]. - Turkey insists on technology equity in any partnership, particularly for building local processing facilities, while China is reluctant to share core separation technology [11][13]. - The actual value of the Turkish rare earth deposit has been questioned, with low oxide content and high extraction costs complicating negotiations [15]. Group 4: Shift in Strategy - Following stalled negotiations with China, Turkey is seeking partnerships with Western countries, including the U.S., to develop the Beylikova mine, focusing on technology transfer and local refining [26]. - Turkey's pivot towards the West is seen as a response to the failure of negotiations with China, with officials expressing the need for external assistance in developing the mine [26][31]. Group 5: Future Prospects - Turkey plans to establish a large processing facility by 2026, aiming to become one of the top five producers globally, although experts warn that without technology transfer, this goal may be difficult to achieve [29]. - The global mining landscape is shifting, with the U.S. and EU pushing for critical mineral partnerships, and Turkey's involvement could provide access to export credits and private investment [31]. - China's continued export controls and focus on maintaining its technological edge may limit Turkey's ability to capitalize on its rare earth resources effectively [33].