Minespider and TETHYS unite to digitalize mining supply chains in Türkiye and Central Asia
29.05.2025Minespider, one of the leading traceability and Digital Product Passport (DPP) platforms, and TETHYS Teknoloji, İnovasyon, Danışmanlık ve Ticaret A.Ş., a platform and subsidiary of TETHYS Gateway Investment GP established in Luxembourg specializing in critical raw materials headquartered in Istanbul, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on next-generation digital traceability solutions. Their partnership will focus on advancing Battery Passport solutions, Digital Product Passports (DPP), Critical Raw Materials traceability, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data systems across mines in Türkiye and Central Asia. The partnership will help mining projects to strengthen their positions in international markets, comply with regulations and export their minerals to European markets and beyond.
TETHYS is actively engaged with over a dozen mining projects in Türkiye, Central Asia and the Caucasus region, across various stages of the mining lifecycle -from exploration to project development and investment structuring. These include both junior and mid-tier operators spanning critical raw materials such as copper, rare earth elements (REE), polymetallic mines, and high-grade industrial minerals. Minespider will enrich this experience with its vast expertise in mineral supply chain traceability and Digital Product Passports (DPPs). Through this collaboration, the two companies will create end-to-end digital systems that embed transparent, verifiable data into raw materials supply chains. Their joint efforts are designed to prevent artisanal mining abuses, illegal mining activities, mineral trades, child labor, and human rights violations – strengthening the integrity and compliance of mining and industrial operations in the region.
Under the agreement, the companies will jointly evaluate technology integration opportunities, develop proof-of-concept projects, and coordinate customer engagement strategies for industries facing stringent new regulations and market demands. This includes delivering advanced Battery Passport applications (web, mobile, backend solutions) and providing digital systems that enable traceability, regulatory compliance, and ESG data collection throughout mining and production processes.
Nathan Williams, Founder & CEO of Minespider, said: "We're thrilled to partner with TETHYS to bring greater transparency and traceability to mineral supply chains in Türkiye and the Central Asian region. As global demand for responsibly sourced minerals continues to grow, ensuring digital proof of origin and ethical practices is no longer optional – it's a must. Together with TETHYS, we're building the digital infrastructure that empowers stakeholders with the data they need to make informed, sustainable decisions."
Leyla Keser Berber, Chairperson of TETHYS, added: “Our partnership with Minespider is focused on a clear objective: ensuring digital product compatibility for the entire mining lifecycle in Türkiye and Central Asia. Through advanced traceability and data systems, we aim to eliminate risks such as illegal mining, artisanal mining abuses, and human rights violations - while supporting industrial players in meeting global regulatory standards.”
The Minespider–TETHYS collaboration represents a decisive move toward fully digitalized, transparent, and regulation-compliant mining ecosystems. Pilot projects and client engagements are expected to commence shortly, providing a new standard for mining digitalization in Türkiye, Central Asia, and beyond.
Factsheet
- As of 2024, both Türkiye and Central Asia are experiencing significant growth in their mining sectors, marked by substantial investments and numerous active projects.
- Türkiye is home to 70 different types of natural resources and actively trades 60 of these minerals internationally.
- Central Asia is rich in critical minerals, with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan collectively holding: 38.6 % of the world's manganese ore, 30.07 % of chromium, 20 % of lead, 12.6 % of zinc, 8.7 % of titanium.
- The EU’s interest in the region is growing, and the EU is currently involved in several mining projects in Central Asia with more under discussion. However, to be able to enter the European market, all minerals have to comply with strict trade, environmental, and due diligence regulations such as, for example, EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) [2023/2024], EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) [expected in 2025+], EU Conflict Minerals Regulation, EU Battery Regulation, and others.
