Cove Kaz Capital Group LLC, a U.S.-based company dedicated to the development of critical mineral resources in Kazakhstan, has announced the commencement of a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for its Northern Katpar tungsten project. The study, which is set to begin in July 2026 and conclude by the end of 2027, aims to support a Final Investment Decision and meet the due diligence requirements of potential financing partners, including U.S. financial institutions. The Northern Katpar project is held by Severniy Katpar LLP, in which Cove Kaz holds a 70% controlling interest.
The engagement of top global engineering firms marks a significant step in the project’s development. DRA Global has been appointed as the lead contractor, responsible for mineral processing, while ERM will oversee geology, mine planning, and environmental frameworks. Knight Piésold will provide expertise in geotechnical and hydrological services. This consortium of contractors will work alongside Cove Kaz’s experienced in-house team, led by CEO Dominic Heaton, who has a proven track record in tungsten mining.
The DFS will outline the overall mine plan for Northern Katpar and inform the construction of a refinery designed to produce ammonium paratungstate (APT), a key tungsten product. The project is positioned to address the current global tungsten supply deficit, which is particularly acute given the systemic shortages that existing mines cannot meet. With significant undeveloped tungsten resources, the Northern Katpar and Upper Kairakty deposits are expected to contribute approximately 12,000 metric tonnes per annum to global production, representing a substantial share of the market. Cove Kaz Capital Group aims to establish a long-term, secure supply of tungsten to support critical industrial and high-technology applications.
