CHP Chair Özel had brought it to the agenda: 'Rare earth element' statement from President Erdoğan

Erdoğan responded to CHP Chair Özgür Özel's statement regarding rare earth elements, in which he claimed, "He is giving these mines in Eskişehir Beylikova to Trump." AKP Chair and President Erdoğan said, "Many countries sign agreements with experienced nations for technology development, consulting, and technology transfer. We are also holding talks to develop collaborations with expert organizations from countries that possess technological memory."

Erdoğan's statement on rare earth elements is as follows:

I want to clarify a subject that the opposition has distorted once again. Another priority of our energy policy is to present the minerals we possess to international markets in a value-added manner. Rare earth elements, in particular, play a critical role in many fields. To date, approximately 125 thousand meters of drilling have been carried out at 310 separate locations in the rare earth elements field in the Beylikova district of Eskişehir. It has been determined that there are exactly 694 million tons of resources in the study area, primarily barite and fluorite, as well as rare earth elements.

Look, this field is the world's 2nd largest rare earth element field. There are 12.5 million tons of rare earth oxides in Beylikova, where 10 of the 17 rare earth elements are found.

We want to be one of the world's 5 largest producers. In the first stage, we commissioned the Eti Maden pilot production facility, where we will process 1,200 tons of ore annually. We are continuing our efforts to convert the pilot facility into an industrial facility.

Many countries sign agreements with experienced nations for technology development, consulting, and technology transfer. We are also holding talks to develop collaborations with expert organizations from countries that possess technological memory.

It is absolutely out of the question for the rare earth elements field in Beylikova to be given to any country. Whoever claims this is slandering their own country.

First, they try to block the mineral exploration and research activities. When they fail at that, they then set their minds on sabotaging its operation. The equation is actually very simple; block it if possible, and if not, discredit it. This is what is happening regarding rare earth elements as well."

WHAT HAD ÖZEL SAID?

CHP Chair Özgür Özel, in his statement at his party's group meeting, stated that "rare earth elements" were brought up during the meeting between US President Donald Trump and President Erdoğan, and noted the following:

"He is giving these mines in Eskişehir Beylikova, which are very important for technologies such as battery production, smartphones, and laser turbines, to Trump, and receiving legitimacy in return.

Look, they will take these elements while they are in the soil, in a mixture, inside other ore. If you take the goose that lays the golden eggs and give it to Trump; he will process it and sell it back to you next year. What is on hand will run out, and 30 years later our grandchildren will be left gaping. It is not right to give the goose that lays the golden eggs to Trump and settle for two eggs. I am begging from here. Stop Erdoğan, who is bartering the future of this country with his own future to Trump. Turkey must stand up regarding rare earth elements. Erdoğan cannot sell this country's rare earth elements for his own future. We will not let him sell them."