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Türkiye’s Presidential Directorate of Communications’ Center for Combating Disinformation (DMM) on Wednesday refuted claims that the Eskisehir Beylikova Rare Earth Elements (REE) field would be handed over to the United States, saying all operations remain under Türkiye’s full sovereignty and are proceeding in line with national interests.
In a statement on social media, the DMM said media reports alleging that “the Eskisehir Beylikova Rare Earth Elements field will be transferred to the U.S.” were “completely baseless.”
“The Beylikova Rare Earth Elements field is one of the most strategic discoveries in Türkiye’s mining history, and all activities in this area are carried out with domestic and national resources,” the statement said. “The pilot plant established by Eti Maden is operational, and preparations for industrial production are continuing in line with our country’s full sovereignty and national interests. Claims to the contrary are manipulative attempts aimed at undermining Türkiye’s strategic mineral policies.”
The statement urged the public “to rely on official statements and not to give credence to disinformation-based claims or posts.”
Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Türkiye is seeking a partnership with the United States to develop newly discovered rare-earth deposits in western Anatolia, aiming to strengthen its position in the high-tech industry.
The reserves in Beylikova, Eskisehir, were previously discussed with China and Russia, but those talks stalled, prompting Turkish officials to turn to their NATO ally for potential cooperation, the report said, citing a source familiar with the matter.
According to the report, Türkiye also plans to seek certification under the JORC Code—an internationally recognized standard for reporting mineral exploration results—to attract international investors. Such certification would determine the deposits’ size and grade and provide credibility for future commercial ventures.
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Türkiye’s rare-earth initiative aligns with broader U.S. and European Union efforts to diversify global supply chains and reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates global production and processing of rare earths.
The 17 metallic elements known as rare earths are essential to high-value technologies, including electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy systems, and advanced medical and defense equipment.
Türkiye joined a U.S.- and EU-led partnership last year aimed at expanding access to critical minerals, while also maintaining engagement with the China-led BRICS group and welcoming a $1 billion electric vehicle investment from Chinese automaker BYD in the western city of Manisa.
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