ANA reported that Turkey exported USD 520 million of boron, the leader of Turkey"s mining exports, in 2008 surpassing the USD 500 million year end target.
Mr Orhan Yılmaz director general of Eti Mine Works, Turkey"s boron processor, said that Turkey increased its boron exports although it was a tough year due to global economic crisis.
Turkey"s boron export in 2007 was around USD 405 million. The export target for 2009 is set USD 650 million and USD 1 billion for the year 2012.
Turkey and the United States are the world"s largest producers of boron, with Turkey holding almost 72% of the world"s boron potential and estimated reserves of just over 3 billion tonnes. Turkey ships major part of its boron to Europe, Far East countries and the United States.