Two Major Investments Completed at Eti Bakır’s Samsun Smelting and Electrolysis Plant

Eti Bakır, a driving force of Türkiye’s economy through value-added production, has completed two major investments at its Samsun Smelting and Electrolysis Plant. The company has started producing the grinding balls used in the ore milling process at its own facility, while also completing the modernization of its production lines.

As Türkiye’s only company capable of producing from ore to final product, Eti Bakır’s Samsun Smelting and Electrolysis Plant continues to support the national economy through value-added production. In July, the plant underwent a planned shutdown for modernization and general maintenance. Following the modernization investment, the plant increased its capacity by 15%, thereby fulfilling the capacity expansion requirement stipulated in the Elazığ Copper Mine tender specifications. As part of the project, all gas pipelines were renewed, and despite emission levels already being below legal limits, the plant achieved an additional 8% reduction. With improved energy efficiency, the plant resumed production in September.

USD 8 MILLION GRINDING BALL PRODUCTION INVESTMENT

Eti Bakır has launched a Grinding Ball Production Facility within the Samsun Smelting and Electrolysis Plant with an investment of USD 8 million. The facility now produces the grinding balls used in the ore milling stage—an essential part of mineral processing. With an annual production capacity of 50,000 tons and nine different ball diameters suitable for various mining operations, the facility will eliminate the need for Eti Bakır’s annual USD 10 million import of grinding balls used across its plants in different regions. The facility is also capable of serving other mining companies both domestically and internationally, reducing a key import dependency for Türkiye while enabling grinding ball exports. Operating with a closed-loop water system, the plant generates zero emissions. The raw materials required for ball production are procured from local suppliers, and the facility currently employs 60 people.

SET TO OPERATE PRODUCTIVELY FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS

Ali Yılmaz, Director of Eti Bakır’s Samsun Smelting and Electrolysis Plant, emphasized that they continue to strengthen their contribution to the national and regional economy through uninterrupted investments: “We completed the planned maintenance shutdown in July within the 75-day timeframe we targeted. Simultaneously, we executed major investments that increased our capacity while further reducing our emission levels. With the completed planned maintenance and modernization, we aim to operate efficiently for the next 10 years.”

Yılmaz noted that sourcing raw materials for the Grinding Ball Production Facility from local companies provides an additional boost to regional development. He also highlighted that their efforts will continue to advance the use of domestic products and production technologies in mining processes.