Turkey is boosting its mining sector as part of a strategic plan for economic development. Although the country can trace mining locally back to 7,000 BC, it has not properly exploited its rich mineral resources. This is changing since the government in 2012 declared mining to be a sector of strategic importance, thereby making it open to significant subsidies. As a result, Turkey is a land of opportunity for mining companies and equipment suppliers, said Sofia Pankratz, manager for Turkey, Greece and Cypru