Thorium

Thorium is a silvery-white metal with low radioactivity and is found in nature approximately three times more abundant than uranium. The most common mineral in which thorium occurs naturally is monazite, which contains rare earth elements. Thorium, represented by the symbol "Th" in the periodic table, is a chemical element with atomic number 90 and belongs to the actinide group in the seventh period of the periodic table. The word derives from Thor, the Norse god of thunder in Scandinavian mythology. It was discovered in 1828 by Norwegian mineralogist Morten Thrane Esmark and named after the Norse god Thor by Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius.

Applications of Thorium

Its most stable isotope is Th-232, with a half-life of approximately 14 billion years. Due to this long half-life, thorium exhibits low specific activity and can be stored safely. At the same time, when thorium interacts with neutrons, it transforms into the isotope uranium-233, making it an attractive candidate for nuclear energy production. Although thorium itself is not directly fissile, it reacts with neutrons in nuclear reactors to produce uranium-233, which then generates energy through fission. Thorium-fueled reactors are safer than uranium-fueled reactors and produce less radioactive waste. Moreover, the abundance of thorium reserves offers advantages in meeting long-term energy needs. Thorium is also used in alloys to increase the resistance of magnesium at high temperatures, in coating tungsten filaments for electronic devices and lighting, in manufacturing heat-resistant crucibles, and in high-quality camera lenses.

Thorium Reserves in Türkiye

Türkiye holds a prominent position in terms of thorium reserves. In the Eskişehir-Sivrihisar-Kızılcaören region, approximately 380,000 tons of thorium reserves with an average ThO₂ content of 0.2% have been identified. This reserve places Türkiye among the significant countries in the global ranking of thorium reserves. Worldwide, there are 6.36 million tons of thorium resources. Thorium production is primarily carried out from monazite sands.

In Türkiye, additional thorium resources were discovered in 2020 by the General Directorate of Mining Research and Exploration (MTA) in the Malatya-Kuluncak area, amounting to 3.8 million tons with a grade of 2.032 ppm, in addition to the previously known 380,141 tons of thorium with a 0.02% grade in Eskişehir-Sivrihisar, identified through studies conducted by MTA in past years. ETİ MADEN also identified a resource of 694 million tons with 788 ppm ThO₂ in the Beylikova-Sivrihisar region of Eskişehir. No economic feasibility or technological viability assessment has been conducted regarding MTA’s discovery. In addition to this region, further detailed exploration in other thorium-bearing areas such as Malatya-Hekimhan-Kuluncak, Kayseri-Felâhiye, Sivas, Diyarbakır and Burdur-Çanaklı is expected to increase Türkiye’s thorium reserves. With the identified and ongoing research sites, Türkiye can be considered among the countries with the largest thorium reserves in the world. With the resolution of technological challenges, Türkiye possesses significant potential in thorium as a nuclear energy raw material.

Global Thorium Trade

Monazite was primarily produced for its rare soil element content, and a portion of the by-product thorium was consumed. India is the leading producer of monazite. Globally, thorium consumption is relatively low compared to most other mineral products. Commercial uses of thorium worldwide include catalysts, high-temperature ceramics and source electrodes. In recent years, thorium prices acquired for research purposes have shown an upward trend. In terms of thorium trade, China is the largest importer globally with a share of 99.7%. Other importers include Japan, Spain and Russia.

Türkiye’s Thorium Potential

Utilizing Türkiye’s thorium reserves in a strategic manner could reduce energy dependence on imports and contribute to economic growth. Therefore, conducting the necessary technological research and investments for using thorium in energy production holds great importance.

In conclusion, thanks to its advantages and Türkiye’s rich reserves, thorium has the potential to become a significant alternative in future energy production. Evaluating this potential will be a strategic strategic step toward achieving energy security and sustainable development goals.