A supply deficit in the global tungsten market in 2025, triggered by tighter production controls in China, has pushed the United States and other international investors to seek alternative sources, placing Kazakhstan’s tungsten reserves firmly in the spotlight.
According to data from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and Construction cited by LS, the country holds a significant and geographically diverse tungsten resource base. In northern Kazakhstan, four deposits are currently in operation, with combined balance reserves of about 77,100 tonnes of tungsten trioxide. Central Kazakhstan represents the core of the country’s resource potential, hosting 14 deposits, including 10 with balance reserves totaling around 1.69 million tonnes. Major sites such as Karaoba, North Katpar, Verkhne-Kairakty, Akshatau, and Batystau have already been transferred to subsoil users.
Eastern Kazakhstan accounts for a smaller share, with two deposits holding an estimated 4,000 tonnes of off-balance reserves, while southern Kazakhstan contains more than 230,000 tonnes of balance reserves concentrated at the Bogutinskoye and Karagailyaktas deposits, both of which are in industrial operation.
Growing international interest has also been driven by joint projects involving foreign capital. US-based Cove Capital, together with Tau-Ken Samruk, is preparing to begin development at the North Katpar and Verkhne-Kairakty deposits, which together hold approximately 410,000 tonnes of tungsten resources under the JORC classification.
China continues to dominate the global tungsten market, accounting for about 80% of world production. However, export restrictions introduced in February 2025 significantly reduced Chinese tungsten exports by 20% year on year, while imports into China surged by more than 58%. These shifts have reshaped trade flows.
Data from the Shanghai Metals Market show that Kazakhstan became China’s largest supplier of tungsten concentrates in 2025. Shipments from Kazakhstan reached 6,900 tonnes during the year, representing roughly one-third of China’s total imports. A substantial share of these volumes came from the Bogutinskoye deposit, which was brought into operation in mid-2025.
As supply constraints persist and demand for tungsten grows in strategic industries, Kazakhstan is increasingly viewed as a critical player in the global tungsten market and a potential counterbalance to China’s dominance.
