Kazakhstan’s Minister of Industry and Construction, Kanat Sharlapayev, met with representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) to discuss further collaboration in the critical minerals sector. The meeting, reported by El.kz with reference to the Ministry of Industry and Construction, focused on strengthening ties between the two countries in resource exploration and processing.
JICA, a Japanese government agency specializing in technical assistance programs for developing nations, has been working with Kazakhstan since 2011. Through this partnership, Kazakhstan implemented the State Energy Register (SER), a key tool for monitoring and controlling energy consumption, based on Japanese expertise.
JOGMEC, which integrates Japan’s former National Oil Corporation and Metal Mining Agency, has been actively involved in geological exploration and mineral extraction in Kazakhstan. In August 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Construction signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with JOGMEC, outlining joint efforts in mineral exploration, mining, and processing.
During the meeting, both parties explored the possibility of launching new projects in the critical minerals sector, crucial for industrial production and the energy sector. Strengthening partnerships in rare earth metal extraction is expected to enhance Kazakhstan’s investment appeal and introduce advanced technologies in geological exploration.
