Inventory of potential graphite deposits of Türkiye and investigation of its geostrategic importance

This master's thesis is prepared for; to investigate the properties, strategic importance, future and potential of the graphite mineral, to reveal the geostrategic importance of earth sciences and natural resources, to conduct research on our country's graphite mines and potential graphite mines as a natural resource and as a result to prepare an inventory of the graphite mines our country has. Our study was carried out with field studies and large-scale literature research, and the obtained data was supported by listing and indexes. There are graphite occurrences and deposits in 22 provinces of Turkey. There is no detailed information about most of these. There are also various inconsistencies in the information available about graphite mines and reserves. The only active graphite mining operation in our country is located in Kütahya Oysu. Turkey's graphite deposits generally contain amorphous graphite. Graphite deposits located in Balıkesir, Kastamonu, Yozgat and Adıyaman provinces contain the highest quality graphite. The demand and need for graphite is increasing in the world, and it is estimated that these factors will increase the price of graphite. China is the leader in graphite production and export in the world. Our country is among the richest in the world in terms of reserves and ranks last among countries in terms of production and exports. Graphite is used in lithium ion batteries, defense industry, metallurgy and refractories industry, machine parts, carbon brushes, electrode making, pencil lead making, etc. Its strategic nature is increasing due to the areas where it is used and the export restrictions of the countries. Graphite is the main source of graphene material. Graphene is expected to become an indispensable material in the technology industry. Additionally, with the development of graphene battery technology, it is predicted that the importance of the graphite mineral will increase.