The Turkish mining industry has come a long way since the turn of the 21st century. In year 2000, Turkey produced very little gold but now the country is the largest gold producer in Europe. Sitting on a key part of the Tethyan Metallogenic Belt, Turkey is blessed with a diverse array of minerals, including lignite and boron fields, chrome, copper, nickel, magnesium, natural stones, industrial raw materials, rare earths and gold. Turkey’s mineral exports make up US$5 billion, half of which belongs to Turkey’s mighty natural stones industry.