Minerals Act, No. 3213.

The objective of this Act is to define the principles and methods of exploring and processing minerals, and to regulate the proprietary rights. Energy minerals, metal minerals, industrial minerals, precious minerals, and liquid and gas containing above minerals are listed in the act. Proprietary rights for minerals are defined in the details. Turkish citizens and companies are eligible to explore for and process minerals. Five percent of annual gross income acquired from mineral processing activities is to be paid as the government share and 5% as a contribution to the Mining Fund. Minerals are explored under an exploration license, valid for 30 months. This license cannot be renewed. This exploration period is followed by a preliminary operational license, which is valid for 3 years and also cannot be renewed. A final operational license is granted to mines having adequate reserves. This license is valid for a minimum of 10 years and is renewable and transferable. A Mining Fund is established at the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources to finance exploration, technological research and development, project development, and other related activities.