MINEX Forum

Tag: Afghanistan

  • Kazakhstan to Import Zinc Ore from Afghanistan Under New Supply Agreement

    Kazakhstan to Import Zinc Ore from Afghanistan Under New Supply Agreement

    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.

  • Tau-Ken Samruk Begins Exploration of Rare and Rare-Earth Metals in Rwanda and Afghanistan

    Tau-Ken Samruk Begins Exploration of Rare and Rare-Earth Metals in Rwanda and Afghanistan

    Kazakhstan’s state-owned mining company Tau-Ken Samruk has launched geological exploration efforts for rare and rare-earth metals in Rwanda and Afghanistan, according to Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Board of Samruk-Kazyna. The initiatives are viewed as strategically important for strengthening Kazakhstan’s resource security and expanding its processing capabilities.

    In Rwanda, the national company has already signed a cooperation agreement that will pave the way for establishing a joint venture with the country’s state enterprise. Once the joint company is formed, exploration activities will begin, eventually leading to the extraction of strategic minerals.

    Work in Afghanistan remains at an early evaluation stage. Specialists collected and analyzed geological samples in July and reported promising results. However, joint mining is not yet under consideration, as licensing and resource assessment procedures still need to be resolved.

    Zhakupov noted that these international exploration projects will help Kazakhstan develop deeper processing of raw materials sourced from third countries. The government has declared its intention to process rare and rare-earth metals domestically, and the Ministry of Industry and Construction has prepared a development program for the sector covering 2024–2028.

    Tau-Ken Samruk continues to focus on gold, copper, and lead-zinc deposits while also identifying strong potential in the extraction of strategic resources, including rare and rare-earth elements.

  • Kazakhstan to Collaborate with Afghanistan in Geology and Natural Resource Extraction

    Kazakhstan to Collaborate with Afghanistan in Geology and Natural Resource Extraction

    In a bid to enhance cooperation in the field of geology and natural resource extraction, Kazakhstan announces plans to establish a technical committee comprising domestic and foreign geologists, as reported by the press service of the Prime Minister of the republic. Vice Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Serik Zhumangarin, engaged in discussions with Afghan counterparts to pave the way for future collaboration. Notably, representatives from Kazakhstani companies such as “Kazakhmys Barlau” and ERG Exploration were also involved in the deliberations.

    Afghanistan’s subsoil is renowned for its wealth in iron and non-ferrous ores, coal, and rare earth minerals. Additionally, the country boasts significant hydrocarbon reserves. It is anticipated that the potential partnership will soon provide Kazakh specialists with maps highlighting prospective areas and documents verifying the presence of mineral resources.