Istanbul Mineral Exporters Association (IMIB) Board of Directors
held a dinner of tribute to Minister of Energy and
Natural Resources Taner Yıldız who served as minister for
two terms; and was ineligible this time because of Ak Parti’s
three-term rule. IMIB President Ali Kahyaoğlu, who spoke
at the dinner participated in by a large number of representatives of
the minerals and natural stone industry, thanked Minister Yıldız for
his contribution to the advancement of the industry during his tenure.
Minister of Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Taner Yıldız, in
his speech, noting that mining is a difficult and risky business all over
the world, remarked “We went through tough times recently. We had
losses due to the unfortunate accidents happening in coal mines. Our
government launched the necessary legislation so that these do not
occur again. There were also those criticizing me. I’ve said it before.
The life of any of our workers is more important for me than being a
minister. God willing, we will not see any more such accident. I know
that mining companies are sensitive in this regard, too. All of us should
work together to take the industry to better positions by being
more careful with more emphasis on occupational health and safety”.
Minister Yıldız, pointing out that the accidents occurring in the coal
mines put a cloud on the whole mining industry, creating problems for
the whole sector, added that they tried hard to avoid this.
Following the speeches, IMIB President Ali Kahyaoğlu presented his
marble self-portrait to Minister Yıldız.
