Can you discuss the relationship between Turkey’s geology and its ore deposits and provide an update on the state of mineral exploration in Turkey?

KT: Turkey’s position on the Alpine-Himalayan belt, an active tectonic region, has led to the formation of numerous medium and small ore deposits that often have complex structures. Outcrop mining, which has been practiced in Anatolia since ancient times, is dwindling. Mining techniques based on systematic scientific research and 3D modeling that require numerous drill holes and low detection limit analyses are replacing outcrop mining. Therefore, rapid analyses that meet international standards, laboratory and pilot-scale beneficiation tests, and cost analyses based on those tests are becoming increasingly important.

Who has traditionally conducted mining activities in Turkey?

EU: In Anatolia, small and local-scale mining activities have been carried out for thousands of years. After the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, governmental institutions began to manage and execute these activities. MTA has been conducting mineral exploration activities since then, while Etibank has been involved in mineral processing activities. More recently, significant economic and political developments have attracted the attention of the Turkish private sector as well as international companies to the country’s potentially promising mining activities. Turkey’s mining sector has established the necessary mining infrastructure, including human and technological resources, and is prepared to collaborate with the global system.

As simple mining methods come to an end in Turkey and other countries, how does Argetest meet its clients’ needs?

AB: Argetest was established in 2012 to meet the Turkish mining sector’s demands. It was founded by experienced staff who have worked in both governmental institutes and private companies for years. Our laboratory closely follows technological advancements and international studies without sacrificing its fundamental principle of high-quality work in chemical analysis, mineral processing, and research and development.

Argetest currently holds quality certifications such as EN ISO IEC 17025, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001. Our company conducts analyses and beneficiation studies, delivering results that adhere to international standards such as JORC, NI 43-101, CRISCO and are recognized by QPs and stock markets. Our laboratory conducts analyses of soil, rock, core, and concentrate samples. Our mineralogy and petrography department conducts thin and polished section studies, including process mineralogy. Our mineral processing and R&D unit conducts flotation, jig, shaking table, magnetic separation (dry-wet), and hydrometallurgical studies. Mineral processing studies are carried out to obtain effective plant flow sheet design. We also conduct plant process revisions and reactive comparison tests.

Which minerals is Argetest targeting in its business development strategy?

BK: Due to Turkey’s geological structure, it has significant potential in gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, chromium, and iron, as well as various industrial minerals. Argetest is accredited to analyze the parameters mentioned above.

Our goal is to maintain the current quality level in our analyses, which are subject to international audits, and improve it further in light of advancements in the field. In the medium and long term, we anticipate an increase in demand for analyses and metallurgical tests of platinum group minerals, rare earth elements, and nickel-bearing formations. Our laboratory has already initiated research in this area and is currently accredited in Pt-Ni-La-Ce-Th-Nd-Pr elements. In the coming years, we will continue to expand the scope of our accreditations. We believe that our growing expertise will lead to greater success in solving more complicated mineral processing and efficiency loss issues.