Aidarbek Saparov, the Akim of the North Kazakhstan region, recently convened a meeting with the leaders of investment firms involved in the development of the Syrymbet tin and Aksoran tungsten deposits in the Aiyrtau district. Experts predict that these projects will serve as a major foundation for the mining industry in the region.
The Syrymbet deposit is one of the largest undeveloped tin deposits in the world. Currently, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries import more tin than they export. If this project comes to fruition, it will allow for the creation of a new and technologically advanced non-ferrous metallurgy sub-sector, which will produce tin concentrates, sublimates, and metallic tin for domestic use. According to JORC international classification, the deposit contains 123.3 million tons of ore and 492.4 thousand tons of tin in metal with an average grade of 0.40%. The exploration and production contract for this deposit was signed with Syrymbet until 2028 with an extension option.
At present, Tin One Mining has approved infrastructure project proposals, and a project for constructing a mining and metallurgical complex for tin extraction is being developed. Funding from the Development Bank of Kazakhstan is expected to be approved soon, and preliminary work is currently underway to construct a shift camp, laboratory, and utilities.
Furthermore, Esil-Mining is a subsoil user with a contract for exploring the Aksoran tungsten-molybdenum ore deposit in the Aiyrtau district. Today, China produces more than 80% of the world’s tungsten concentrate. However, Kazakhstan has mineral reserves that are comparable to China’s, yet it is not yet a major player in the market. Tungsten is a highly refractory metal that is an essential component of heat-resistant alloys, wear-resistant and tool steels. The development of the Aksoran deposit has the potential to create a competitive tungsten product with high added value, not only for the region but for the country as a whole. Currently, the company is developing documents for the construction of a tungsten mine, engineering networks, and a road. Land plots have been obtained, and earthworks are in progress. Construction of power lines and infrastructure is expected to begin this year.
According to the head of the North Kazakhstan region, the launch of these metallurgical plants will create 1,500 new jobs, and the economic effect will impact approximately 10,000 residents of nearby settlements.