Kazakhstan has revoked six gold mining permits so far in 2025 across the Aktobe, Turkistan, East Kazakhstan, and Abai regions, according to the Ministry of Industry and Construction. Although significant, the figure is lower than in 2024, when the government annulled twice as many contracts for gold-bearing ore extraction. Authorities say the revocations stem from violations of legal requirements and breaches of land-use and lease conditions.
Members of Parliament argue that punitive measures must be strengthened further. Lawmakers are calling for tougher criminal penalties for illegal mining and the creation of a “blacklist” of irresponsible subsoil users who would face obstacles when seeking new contracts. Deputies believe such steps would reduce environmental risks and increase accountability for land rehabilitation at mining sites, LSM.kz reports.
Earlier, the Mazhilis introduced amendments to the existing Subsoil Code. The draft legislation would require auction winners to pay their signing bonuses before receiving a subsoil licence. Those who fail to make the payment would be banned from using subsoil resources for five years and prohibited from acquiring related rights through third parties.
These reforms reflect Kazakhstan’s broader effort to enforce stricter compliance, improve environmental protections, and ensure responsible resource development across the mining sector.
