An a significant move to enhance the national mining sector, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Kazakhstan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, aimed at promoting modernisation and development within the sector, was formalized today by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Industry and Construction, Kanat Sharlapaev, and EBRD First Vice President, Jürgen Rigterink. This partnership will focus on improving governance, transparency, and regulation, adhering to international standards and practices.
The MoU is a crucial element of the EBRD’s strategy for responsible exploration and mining of critical raw materials. It includes the creation of an advanced system for capturing, processing, and disseminating geoscientific documents such as maps and data. Additionally, the initiative aims to develop the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the mining sector.
The signing ceremony was attended by EU Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, underscoring the agreement’s importance within the EU-Kazakhstan critical raw materials roadmap and their broader strategic partnership.
