Kazakhstan has signed a significant trade agreement to import zinc ore from Afghanistan, marking an expansion of the country’s raw material sourcing strategy. The agreement was formalised during the opening of Kazakhstan’s Trade House in Kabul, where Shalkiya Zinc LTD, a subsidiary of the National Mining Company Tau-Ken Samruk, entered into a contract with Afghan German Bakhtar Company for the supply of zinc ore.
Under the terms of the contract, Shalkiya Zinc LTD will purchase up to 30,000 tonnes of zinc ore annually, with a total contract value of $18.88 million. The ore will be shipped to Kazakhstan under DAP (Delivered at Place) conditions, meaning Afghan German Bakhtar Company will assume all transportation costs and associated risks, whilst Shalkiya Zinc LTD will handle customs duties and unloading operations. This arrangement provides a clear division of responsibilities and ensures efficient logistics for the supply chain.
The initiative builds on previous exploratory work conducted by Tau-Ken Samruk, which collected samples from the Pami-Kakrak deposit in Bamian Province during autumn 2025. Laboratory analysis conducted by Kazzinc confirmed that the imported mineral raw material can be integrated into the existing technological processes of Kazakhstan’s mining and processing plants. This validation demonstrates the compatibility of Afghan ore with Kazakhstan’s current production infrastructure, making the partnership commercially viable.
The new supply channel arrives at a critical time for Kazakhstan’s zinc sector. According to the Bureau of National Statistics, zinc production declined during the first five months of 2026, with copper-zinc ore output falling 18.8 per cent year-on-year to 2.2 million tonnes, and refined zinc production dropping 12.9 per cent to 93,000 tonnes. The Afghan ore imports are expected to help stabilise and support these production figures. Additionally, other Kazakhstani companies, including ERG, are exploring similar opportunities for mineral resource development in Afghanistan, with ERG considering chrome mining ventures potentially structured as joint enterprises.
