Kazakhstan has accumulated vast volumes of technogenic mineral formations (TMF) over decades of mining and metallurgical operations, raising renewed debate over how to effectively utilise these surface stockpiles containing valuable metals.
In an interview, experienced geologist Bolat Kabaziev described TMF as industrial waste generated by mines, processing plants and metallurgical facilities that still contain recoverable metals. Despite increasing public discussion in recent years, he noted that relatively few large-scale projects have been implemented, as metal recovery from waste requires complex and often innovative technologies.
Currently, both conventional methods such as gravity separation and flotation, as well as hydrometallurgical techniques including leaching, are used to extract metals from TMF. Kabaziev emphasised that while processing such waste can mitigate environmental risks posed by tailings and dumps, proper reclamation and monitoring remain essential.
He expressed concern over the earlier transfer of Soviet-era TMF into private ownership, arguing that the move was premature and did not accelerate environmental remediation or reprocessing. In his view, placing TMF into an open and competitive market would have encouraged smaller private companies to begin processing operations more actively.
Access to TMF located on operating mining sites has also become a challenge, particularly after the adoption of the 2018 Subsoil Code. According to Kabaziev, conflicts over ownership and balance separation have slowed reuse efforts.
Beyond surface waste, he highlighted the potential of recovering metals from previously mined deposits where unextracted reserves remain underground. Advances in technology could make such resources economically viable, particularly amid rising gold and copper prices.
While tax reductions on TMF have been introduced, Kabaziev believes more systematic action is needed. He proposes establishing a scientific and industrial centre to conduct nationwide monitoring of TMF and reassess regulatory approaches. Determining metal content, he noted, is technically feasible through standard exploration methodologies.
Kabaziev concluded that reintroducing TMF into active economic circulation could attract new investors without undermining geological exploration efforts. Given declining mineral reserves and slow replenishment, he considers TMF a strategically important resource capable of sustaining metal production for decades if managed responsibly.
