Istanbul Mineral Exporters’ Association (İMİB) started the “Mining in Industry Panels” series in collaboration with Dünya newspaper. In the first panel held on the online platform, the impact of mining, with an indirect contribution of $ 40 billion to exports and the economy, was discussed in detail. In his address to the panel, İMİB Board Chairman Aydın Dinçer said that the licenses should be assured in order for the mines to continue their operations. Stating that the problems experienced increase the costs of cement production, Dinçer also drew attention to the public pressure caused by misinformation outside of the legislation.
Continuing its efforts for the development of the mining industry, the Istanbul Mineral Exporters Association (İMİB) organized the first of the Mining Panels in Industry series on an online platform in cooperation with Dünya newspaper. The panel, where the cement industry was discussed, was moderated by the General Coordinator of Dünya newspaper, Vahap Munyar. The panel was attended by İMİB Board Chairman Aydın Dinçer, Turkish Miners’ Association (TMD) Chairman Ali Emiroğlu, Türkçimento CEO Volkan Bozay, Seza Cement Board Chairman Prof. Dr. Yasemin Açık and Dünya newspaper Chairman Hakan Güldağ.
“Actions on endurance will intensify in the upcoming period”
Speaking at the panel, İMİB Board Chairman Aydın Dinçer mentioned that the mining sector is the raw material of all industries. Dinçer said: “It is very important to always bring university-industry cooperation to the forefront, to use different engineering branches in mining production and then to rehabilitate mine sites. In the upcoming period, we must ensure the transformation of our industries within the framework of the Green Deal and advance a sustainable world altogether. On the other hand, the world is now moving from the concept of sustainability to the concept of endurance. I predict that more intensive efforts on durability and longevity will be exhibited in the coming period. ”
Expressing that there are difficulties due to the long process of obtaining permits in mining, which is the nurture of the industry, Dinçer said: “The licenses must be assured in order for the production to continue in the mines. After the expiration of the permit, new permits are given to the mining site so that the mining continues. When these permissions are not granted, importing mines becomes compulsory. If the permits of the mines near cement plants cannot be renewed, the mines needed for the facility will have to be moved from long distances and this will cause an increase in costs. Delays in permits, which can sometimes go on for years, are being experienced due to public pressure worries. This can end the investment appetite, increasing costs or bringing production to a halt.”
“The mining sector should be transformed into a more technological structure”
Seza Cement Board Chairman Prof. Dr. Yasemin Açık stated that behind the cement factories that started production in Elazig in 2016, there is limestone and clay ore that will be enough for them for 500 years. She said: “Limestone is the mine we buy at the cheapest price. However, we depend on the coal and petrocoke that we use in energy production. Coal and electricity make up 70-80 percent of the cost. In addition, we are exposed to high prices from time to time in mines such as iron ore, gypsum and pumice, which are among our raw materials. There is a need for legal changes in the regulations regarding the mines. The mining sector should be transformed into a more technological structure, taking into account today’s conditions.”
“Energy expenditures are our biggest cost item”
Ali Emiroğlu, President of the Turkish Miners’ Association (TMD), stated that the mining industry provides the raw materials of cement, clinker, clay, iron ore, iron oxides and silica oxides: “These are cost-effective materials as they are close to the factory and they are all supplied within our country. We have no shortage of raw materials, but energy costs are our biggest cost item. In addition, one of the main problems of the industry is assuring licenses.”
“Additive cement will be important in reducing emissions”
Noting that the cement industry needs a roadmap for Green Deal, Türkçimento CEO Volkan Bozay said: “We launched an action within this framework. Additive cement will be important in reducing emissions in this period. We are working on research and development. In addition, 2 billion dollars investment has been made in 23 factories in waste heat in the last 10 years. Filters are costly investments, but we collect their rewards. We benefit from energy and also reduce carbon emissions.”
“The sector needs protection”
On the other hand, Hakan Güldağ, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dünya newspaper, emphasized that miners and cement manufacturers should continue their activities taking into account climate change. Güldağ said: “Permission processes need to continue in a more sustainable way. If the municipalities cannot provide this, they are actually not doing their job correctly because the increasing costs have their returns in other areas. Instead, a design should be made by consulting the industry and determining the best rules. Accordingly, it is necessary to protect the sector.
“New technology cement factories eliminate prejudices”
The moderator of the panel, Dünya newspaper’s General Coordinator Vahap Munyar said: “Cement factories built with new technology have eliminated prejudices. The previous discourses of ‘polluting the environment’ are disappearing. There are companies that rehabilitate the areas in their surrounding and even start producing their own olives. Good examples are also increasing.”