Mining and Economy Discussed at IMMAT
At the opening session of the IMMAT – 10th International Mining Machinery and Technologies Congress, economist and journalist Meliha Okur, economic policy expert Turgay Bozoğlu, and Vice President of the Foundation for the Development of Domestic Mining Ali Emiroğlu came together. The session, held under the theme “Mining and Economy,” addressed a wide range of issues, from mining culture to environmental policies, occupational safety, legislation, and mining economics.
Organized by İZFAŞ and hosted by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, the MINEX – 11th International Mining, Natural Resources and Technologies Expo is taking place at Fuar İzmir. Simultaneously, the 10th International Mining Machinery and Technologies Congress (IMMAT-2025), organized by the Izmir Branch of the Chamber of Mining Engineers of Türkiye (TMMOB), is being held. The congress, which brings together academia and industry representatives to contribute to the technical and scientific development of mining, opened with a session titled “Mining and Economy,” featuring speakers Meliha Okur, Turgay Bozoğlu, and Ali Emiroğlu.
“Added Value and Transparency are Essential in Mining”
Journalist and writer Meliha Okur emphasized the importance of Türkiye extracting its mineral resources with environmental sensitivity, using advanced technology, and investing in people. Stressing the need to go beyond a simple “extract and sell” approach, she said:
“Mining can contribute much more strongly to the national economy through value-added production models. At this point, responsibility does not only lie with politicians but also with civil society organizations. Together, we must create a transparent and sustainable industrialization drive in mining.”
She also underlined the need to support all workers in the sector, from engineers to miners:
“With proper and transparent practices, it will be much easier to build public trust.”
Highlighting Türkiye’s rich biodiversity, Okur stressed that mining should be carried out while protecting these values, and that the industry’s transparent communication of this responsibility is of great importance for social peace.
“Safety Culture is Strengthening”
Vice President of the Foundation for the Development of Domestic Mining, Ali Emiroğlu, evaluated the transformations in the mining sector both in Türkiye and globally. Referring to the Soma mining disaster, he noted that working conditions in the past were extremely harsh and that occupational health and safety measures were insufficient. He emphasized that today, mining culture, perspectives, and technology are rapidly advancing:
“From ventilation systems in mines to dust suppression, technology has progressed in many areas. The mining industry of 40 years ago no longer exists in our country, nor is it possible for it to exist. Teams formed by the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, governorates, and the General Directorate of Mining and Petroleum Affairs carry out inspections at least four times a year, especially in underground mining.”
He concluded by stressing that accidents are preventable:
“Occupational health and safety is a process and of great importance for everyone—from public institutions to employers, from blue-collar to white-collar workers.”
“Green Mining Approach Comes to the Fore”
Economic policy expert Turgay Bozoğlu highlighted the critical role of the mining sector within Türkiye’s overall economy, noting that mining is not limited to underground resources but is directly linked with industry, foreign trade, technology, and employment. He said:
“The world is undergoing a major transformation, and mining is at the center of it. Energy transition, electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy technologies are rapidly increasing the demand for minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt. The so-called green economy is essentially a mineral economy. The world is shifting from oil to minerals. However, mining is no longer evaluated solely in terms of profitability but also in terms of its environmental and social impacts. At this point, the concept of green mining comes to the forefront.”
Transparent and Sustainable Mining is Possible
Bozoğlu also touched upon the environmental and social impacts of the mining law recently enacted in Türkiye, emphasizing the need for the country to shift from raw material exports toward value-added production. He underlined that with EU-standard environmental regulations, R&D investments, and effective inspections, long-term, transparent, and sustainable mining is indeed possible.