MALATYA — US President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed interest in Turkey’s rare earth elements (REEs), prompting renewed attention on the Malatya province, where significant deposits are believed to exist. Sources indicate that the Kuluncak district of Malatya, previously identified as a potential site for these strategic materials, has once again come into focus following Trump’s alleged remarks and recent policy discussions in Washington.
Background: Discovery in Kuluncak
The existence of rare earth elements in Kuluncak was first announced in July 2020 by then-Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Dönmez, who revealed that in addition to Eskişehir, similar deposits were detected in Malatya’s Kuluncak district. These minerals are considered vital for the production of advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and defense equipment.
At the time, Kuluncak Mayor Erhan Cengiz welcomed the news with optimism, describing it as a turning point for the district’s future. “This will mark the beginning of Kuluncak’s rise,” he had said in a statement following the minister’s announcement.
Mayor’s 2020 Remarks Resurface
Mayor Cengiz had emphasized Kuluncak’s existing mineral wealth, including iron, chromium, and copper, expressing hope that new discoveries would accelerate local development. Speaking in 2020, he said:
“We had always heard from our elders that valuable minerals lay beneath these lands. Everyone knew the area’s potential, but it had never been utilized. Thankfully, our government and President have supported us, and a company has been conducting explorations here under MTA supervision for three years.”
He also highlighted the symbolic importance of the minister’s confirmation:
“Until Minister Dönmez’s statement, we only knew about these elements from hearsay. His public confirmation that Kuluncak also hosts rare earth elements made us proud and hopeful.”
A Vision for Growth and Urbanization
Cengiz predicted that the discovery could transform the district’s economy and demographics, saying:
“We expect the population to grow tenfold in the coming years. Kuluncak will take significant steps toward urbanization. Together with our local and national leaders, we aim to strengthen the district’s infrastructure, housing, and city planning. These mountains are full of treasures — our land is rich beyond measure.”
Strategic Context
Rare earth elements have become a focal point of global competition, as countries seek to secure supply chains for critical technologies. Turkey’s potential reserves — particularly in Eskişehir and Malatya — are seen as strategically important assets in reducing dependency on imports from countries like China.
With new discussions about REE exploration resurfacing, Kuluncak’s past promises and future prospects are once again under the spotlight.
