Kazakhstan has officially commenced the practical implementation of the Northern Katpar tungsten project, located in the Karaganda Region, as announced by the regional akimat. This significant initiative is part of a broader strategy to develop one of the world’s largest tungsten deposits, alongside the Verkhne-Kairakty deposit. Preparatory work has been ongoing for the past two months, focusing on the establishment of production sites, access roads, and essential field infrastructure, complemented by geodetic surveys. A comprehensive feasibility study is currently in progress and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2027.
Deputy Akim of Karaganda Region, Shyngys Suyunbayev, highlighted the project’s importance, stating that it will not only attract foreign investment but also provide a substantial economic boost to the Shet District. The project is projected to create approximately 1,200 new jobs upon commissioning. Dominic Heaton, CEO of Cove Kaz Capital Group, emphasized that the investor’s vision extends beyond mere deposit development; it aims to establish a modern, internationally competitive tungsten mining and processing industry within Kazakhstan.
The Northern Katpar project is set to foster domestic value addition through processing, alongside skills development and enhanced participation of Kazakh companies in the supply chain. Daniyar Idrisov, Chief Investment and Strategy Officer at Tau-Ken Samruk, noted that the partners are committed to creating a full production cycle, encompassing everything from ore extraction to metallurgical processing and the production of high-value tungsten products.
Total investment in the development of both deposits and the necessary mining and processing infrastructure is estimated at around $1.1 billion. The project is expected to yield approximately 12,000 tons of tungsten products annually, which would account for about 15% of current global tungsten production, according to the regional akimat. The initiative not only focuses on ore extraction and beneficiation but also aims for deep processing within Kazakhstan, thereby establishing a new production chain in the critical minerals sector.
According to the current timeline, major construction activities are projected to commence in 2028, with commissioning works slated for 2029. This ambitious project is poised to significantly enhance Kazakhstan’s position in the global tungsten market while providing economic opportunities for the local population.
