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Addressing the 1st Congress of Geologists of Kazakhstan, Zholmagambetov emphasized the drawbacks associated with importing raw materials, including high transportation costs and the vulnerability to political instability in the extraction countries, which may result in restrictions on raw material exports. The extensive exploitation of inherited reserves of valuable minerals from the Soviet era, coupled with limited replenishment rates, is gradually depleting these resources.
Zholmagambetov highlighted that notable lead-zinc deposits in Eastern Kazakhstan, such as Shemonaiha, Yubileino-Snegirikha, and Zyryanovsk, have been entirely depleted. Consequently, after 65 years of operation, the Torgai Bauxite Ore Management of Aluminum Kazakhstan JSC, a subsidiary of ERG, has ceased all activities. Overall, reserves of non-ferrous and noble metals, which significantly contribute to the country's exports, could be exhausted within the next 10-15 years.
Furthermore, Zholmagambetov address