Orex Minerals appointed Turkish-origin John Eren as its new CEO, highlighting the company’s ambition to leverage Türkiye’s rich mineral diversity.
Despite being home to 80 out of 90 mineral types traded internationally, Türkiye’s mining sector operates below its potential, contributing only 1.5% to the country’s gross domestic product.
Leading Turkish companies such as Koc Group, Eczacibassi Holding, and Cengiz Holding are active in mineral exploration abroad. However, it is noteworthy that no Turkish company has yet made it to the world’s largest mining companies list. In the annual reports of Germany’s Statista research company, Türkiye’s mining sector has a limited representation in the international arena.
Turkish names among international executives
There are also examples of Turkish executives working in international companies. For example, Savas Sahin, former CEO of Eczacibasi Esan, was appointed as a board member of Almasane Alkobra Mining (AMAK) of Saudi Arabia. Afterward, this company appointed Nihat Soyer as its CEO.
John Eren’s experience and role
John Eren, the new CEO of Orex Minerals, has a 20-year corporate development background and has been instrumental in providing financing to resource companies in the U.S. and Canada. Previously, Eren held various roles at companies such as Universal Mineral Services, Fury Gold Mines and Akkese Mining.
Orex Minerals operates in gold and precious metals in Mexico and Canada, and its shares are listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange. Orex President Adam Cegielski believes Eren will bring a strategic vision and strong leadership to the company.
Orex Minerals is part of the Belcarra Management Group and operates two other mining companies around the world.
Who’s John Eren?
John Hamdi Eren is a former Australian politician and Labor Party member. He served in the Parliament of Victoria from 2002 to 2022, representing Geelong Province and later Lara. Eren held ministerial roles in the First Andrews Ministry, including Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Veterans’ Affairs.
Born in Izmir, Türkiye, he immigrated to Australia in 1970 and worked at Ford before entering politics. Eren was active in various parliamentary committees and served as a shop steward for the Vehicle Builders Union. He was not included in the Second Andrews Ministry after 2018.
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Orex Minerals, the Canada-based mining giant, appoints Türkiye-origin John Eren as CEO.
