Boron

The most common bor minerals in Turkey are tincal, colemanite, and ulexite. In the glass industry, boron increases the fluidity of glass, enhances its durability, and improves surface hardness. In the ceramics industry, it is used in glazes and frits, while in cement production, it is utilized in the form of colemanite. In the non-ferrous metal industry, boron compounds are evaluated as protective slag formers and agents that accelerate melting.

Usage of Boron in Defense and Energy Sectors

Boron carbide is used in armor materials, wear-resistant machine parts, and as a neutron absorber in nuclear applications. The use of boron in the shale gas sector is also becoming more widespread.

Boron Production and Operations in Turkey:

Turkey holds 73% of the world's boron reserves and is a global leader in boron production. The production, operation, and marketing of boron mines are managed by Eti Maden.

Kırka Boron Operations Directorate (Eskişehir): Produces 3 million tons of tincal annually, which is processed into products such as borax pentahydrate, borax decahydrate, and anhydrous borax.

Emet Boron Operations Directorate (Kütahya): Extracts colemanite ore from a site containing 40% of the world's colemanite reserves and performs physical enrichment.

Bandırma and Bigadiç Operations: Produce refined boron products, including boric acid, borax, Etibor-48, and Etidot-67.

Boron Products and Technological Developments

Boron carbide production facilities and ferroboron production facilities have been established. Cleaning products with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties have been developed under the BORON brand. During the Covid-19 pandemic, BOREL hand sanitizer was produced.

Operating under the umbrella of TENMAK, BOREN conducts projects and coordinates scientific research to develop boron products and technologies and expand their application areas. It also contributes to the advancement of boron technologies through collaborations among universities, public institutions, and the private sector.

Global Boron Reserves and Production

Economically significant boron deposits are found in countries such as Turkey, the United States, Argentina, Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and Chile. The global boron production capacity is 5.7 million tons, with the largest producers being Turkey, the United States, Russia, and China. Approximately 82% of boron consumption occurs in the glass, ceramics, agriculture, and detergent-cleaning industries.         

Boron Exports

In 2023, Turkey exported 1.6 million tons of boron, generating revenue of $911 million. Leading export destinations include China, the United States, Russia, and India. These figures provide a comprehensive overview of boron, from its natural properties to its economic and sectoral applications.

Date of Update: 26 December 2024