MINEX Forum

Tag: Kazakhstan

  • Kazakhstan Launches Its Own Geodetic Coordinate System

    Kazakhstan Launches Its Own Geodetic Coordinate System

    Kazakhstan has introduced its national geodetic coordinate system, QazTRF-23, along with a network of continuously operating reference stations, following an audit by the Supreme Audit Chamber of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

    Effective from January 1, 2025, the new system is expected to significantly improve the accuracy of geodetic and cartographic data, serving as a foundation for the country’s spatial data infrastructure. Officials emphasize that QazTRF-23 will enhance territorial planning, construction, and modern data management systems.

    Additionally, the country has launched the “State Geoportal of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure,” a digital tool providing government agencies and stakeholders with access to accurate geospatial data. This initiative aims to improve land management and digital mapping efficiency.

    Previously, an audit revealed that Kazakhstan lacked its own geodetic system, which hindered the development of a unified digital cartographic ecosystem. With QazTRF-23 in place, the country is taking a significant step toward modernizing its geospatial infrastructure.

  • Rosatom CEO Confirms Readiness to Join Kazakhstan’s NPP Project

    Rosatom CEO Confirms Readiness to Join Kazakhstan’s NPP Project

    Rosatom’s CEO Alexey Likhachev has confirmed the Russian state nuclear energy corporation’s readiness to participate in the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant (NPP). This announcement follows discussions between the heads of government of Kazakhstan and Russia, and suggests a move towards closer collaboration on the project.

    “Based on what the heads of our cabinets [Olzhas Bektenov and Mikhail Mishustin] discussed, I think it is safe to say that we are heading toward joint resolutions,” Likhachev told Interfax-Kazakhstan.

    Likhachev emphasised the existing cooperation between the two countries in the nuclear sector, highlighting Kazakhstan’s significant expertise in nuclear technologies and its position as a leading uranium producer. He noted that Kazakhstan is approaching the project with a high level of professionalism, engaging with multiple potential vendors.

    A recent visit by a Kazakhstani delegation to the Leningrad NPP in Saint Petersburg, where they examined Russian nuclear technologies and infrastructure, further underscores the growing interest in Rosatom’s offerings. Likhachev reiterated Rosatom’s commitment to the project, stating, “We will work here with great pleasure.”

    Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has previously stated that the NPP will be built by an international consortium. Rosatom is among four shortlisted potential vendors, alongside China’s CNNC, South Korea’s KHNP, and France’s EDF. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy aims to select the winning bidder by June. Rosatom’s public expression of interest signals a strong intent to secure the contract.

  • Kazakhstan Sees Dramatic FDI Drop, Blames Commodity Markets and Project Completion

    Kazakhstan Sees Dramatic FDI Drop, Blames Commodity Markets and Project Completion

    Kazakhstan has experienced a staggering 98.4% year-on-year (YoY) decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows for the first nine months of 2024, according to Kazakh Invest, the national investment promotion company. This drastic drop, which saw FDI plummet from $2.3 billion to just $72.9 million, is being attributed to a confluence of factors, including volatile commodity markets and the completion of major infrastructure projects.

    Kazakh Invest insists the decline isn’t a reflection of flawed investment policies but rather external economic pressures. “The decline in FDI inflows is not related to inefficiencies in investment policy but rather to objective economic factors, including commodity market volatility and investors’ decisions,” the company stated. They emphasized the significant role of the mining sector in Kazakhstan’s FDI landscape, highlighting that these market fluctuations are beyond government control.

    A key factor contributing to the decline is a 93.4% reduction in reinvested earnings. Kazakh Invest suggests this could indicate decreased profits for foreign-owned businesses or increased dividend payouts to international shareholders. The completion of large-scale projects, such as Tengizchevroil’s Future Growth Project, has also played a significant role. While this project’s completion has impacted FDI inflows, Kazakh Invest believes it will pave the way for investment in other promising sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, and digital technologies.

    Despite the sharp decline, Kazakh Invest maintains that Kazakhstan remains an attractive destination for foreign investors, citing its leading investment volume in new projects among Central and North Asian states. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) reported $15.7 billion in investment projects for Kazakhstan in 2024, an 88% increase from 2023.

    Economist Galymzhan Aitkazin suggests that the overall gross FDI inflow decline of 35.7% YoY, totaling $12.7 billion for the first three quarters of 2024, reflects international investor interest rather than capital flight. Kazakh Invest echoed this sentiment, pointing to the completion of the $46 billion Tengizchevroil project as a primary driver of the decline in gross FDI inflows.

    While Kazakhstan attracted $931.9 million in FDI from Russia in the first half of 2024, making it the largest investor, this figure still represents a 21.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. Other significant investors include Singapore, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Cyprus, focusing primarily on trading, financial, and processing sectors.

    President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has stressed the need for a comprehensive ecosystem to attract high-quality investments. Kazakh Invest has reiterated its commitment to this goal.

    While net FDI remained negative at -$1.6 billion for the first nine months of 2024, it is an improvement compared to -$3.2 billion in 2023. However, FDI outflows have doubled compared to the previous year, reaching $1.5 billion.

    The National Bank acknowledged in August 2023 that relying solely on gross FDI inflows can be misleading, as it overlooks capital outflows and doesn’t provide a complete picture of the investment climate.

  • Kazakhstan to Develop AI-Powered Geological Data Platform

    Kazakhstan to Develop AI-Powered Geological Data Platform

    The Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan has convened a scientific and technical council meeting to discuss promising research in the mining sector. One of the key initiatives approved was the creation of a digital platform for geological data, which will utilize artificial intelligence to analyze information.

    This innovative system aims to reduce exploration costs, improve the accuracy of deposit forecasting, and accelerate exploration timelines. The implementation of this platform is driven by the industry’s ongoing need for digitized geological data to support efficient resource planning.

    In addition to digitalization efforts, the council reviewed research projects from major industry players, including Sokolov-Sarbai Mining and Processing Production Association (SSGPO) and Kachary Ruda, both subsidiaries of ERG. Key research areas include developing methods for pre-reducing ore from the Sarbai deposit, improving carbon-based reductants and exploring alternatives, enhancing the quality of pelletizing ore from the Sokolov deposit, and optimizing the processing of refractory ores from the Kachary deposit.

    The discussion also focused on the introduction of “green” technologies in the mining and metallurgical industry, particularly at the Korzhankul deposit. Experts believe that adopting environmentally friendly solutions will reduce the industry’s environmental footprint and enhance its long-term sustainability.

    Additionally, the council approved a new scientific program by Kazakhmys, which aims to implement high-efficiency reagents to improve the processing of copper ores at the Balkhash Processing Plant.

    The outcomes of the meeting highlight Kazakhstan’s commitment to modernizing its mining sector through digital technologies, scientific advancements, and environmentally sustainable practices.

  • Arras Minerals Reports Significant Gold Intersections at Elemes Project

    Arras Minerals Reports Significant Gold Intersections at Elemes Project

    Arras Minerals Corp. has announced further positive drill results from its ongoing exploration at the Elemes project in Northeast Kazakhstan. The latest findings reveal substantial gold and copper mineralization, reinforcing the project’s potential for large-scale development.

    A highlight of the program is drill hole EL24004 at the Berezski East target, which intersected a significant 304.8-meter zone grading 0.54 g/t gold-equivalent (AuEq), starting from just 1.2 meters below surface. Within this, a higher-grade section of 37.8 meters returned 1.50 g/t AuEq, suggesting the possibility of a sizeable open-pit gold deposit. A deeper zone within the same hole also yielded 50 meters at 0.45 g/t AuEq from a depth of 210 meters.

    At the K-Ozek target, drill hole EL24009 intersected several gold-bearing quartz veins, with a notable interval of 2 meters grading 1.55 g/t AuEq. This supports the presence of a high-grade low-sulphidation epithermal vein system. Meanwhile, drill hole EL24008 at a separate target returned 128 meters of mineralization grading 0.10 g/t AuEq, indicating broader but lower-grade mineralized zones.

    The Elemes project, located in the Bozshakol-Chingiz Magmatic Arc, is positioned near the Bozshakol Copper Mine, one of the largest copper-gold operations in the region. The Phase 1 drill program, which began in September 2024 and concluded in December, has focused on high-priority targets identified through extensive exploration, including geophysical surveys and soil sampling.

    Commenting on the results, Arras Minerals CEO Tim Barry expressed optimism about the project’s potential, particularly at Berezski East. “The continuous near-surface gold mineralization in EL24004 is a major step forward. The results indicate the presence of a large mineralized system that could support an open-pit operation,” Barry stated. President Darren Klinck added that the findings reinforce the Elemes project’s potential to host significant copper and gold mineralization.

    With these encouraging results, Arras Minerals plans to continue its exploration efforts, refining its understanding of the mineralized zones and identifying further opportunities for resource expansion.

  • Kazatomprom Plans Up to 14% Increase in Uranium Production for 2025

    Kazatomprom Plans Up to 14% Increase in Uranium Production for 2025

    Kazatomprom, Kazakhstan’s national atomic company, announced plans to produce between 25,000 and 26,500 tons of uranium in 2025, according to a statement issued on Monday. This represents an increase of 7 to 14 percent over its 2024 output of 23,270 tons.

    The company anticipates that uranium production from most mining operations will see varying percentage declines compared to targets set under existing subsoil use contracts, with these reductions expected to stay within an acceptable deviation of up to 20 percent.

    Additionally, Kazatomprom reported a 10 percent rise in uranium production for 2024, reaching 23,270 tons, compared to the previous year.

    Further details on the company’s financial performance for 2024 will be provided on March 19.

    Kazatomprom serves as the national operator for the export of uranium, rare metals, nuclear fuel, and related technologies.

  • President Focuses on Revitalising Investment Climate Amidst Declining FDI

    President Focuses on Revitalising Investment Climate Amidst Declining FDI

    [vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sounded the alarm over slowing foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into Kazakhstan, urging the government to redouble its efforts to attract high-quality investments to keep pace with global trends.

    Speaking on 28 January 2025 at the general meeting of his Government in Astana against the backdrop of a challenging economic environment and heightened international competition, President Tokayev emphasised the critical need for qualified investment in the country: “We must intensify the government’s work in the field of investment, otherwise, we risk falling behind in the face of these rapidly changing conditions.”

    Data reveals a concerning decline in FDI. During the first nine months of 2024, Foreign Direct Investment reached $12.7 billion, a 36% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. This decline has been observed in a number of regions, including Aktobe, Almaty, Atyrau, East Kazakhstan, Jambyl, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan regions, and the city of Almaty.

    Locking in Leaner Investments:

    Recognising the pressures on government budgets, President Tokayev proposed a proactive approach: “In light of the limited availability of budget funds, we must consider introducing an array of additional financial incentives for investors who are willing to commit to high-quality projects.” This policy aligns with President Tokayev’s broader vision of economic liberalisation. He called for the creation of a comprehensive ecosystem that fosters, supports, and safeguards investors at all levels – both domestically and internationally.

    Mutual Benefits and Responsibilities:

    Government support for business ventures should come with clear expectations. President Tokayev outlined: “Investors who receive government assistance must accept reasonable countermeasures, such as job retention, investment in modernization, and adherence to environmental regulations.”

    President Tokayev’s impactful message signifies Kazakhstan’s commitment to creating a more attractive investment climate while simultaneously promoting responsible and sustainable development. The focus on attracting high-quality FDI is crucial for the country’s economic future.

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  • Kazakhstan Prepares for the Launch of Gornostayevskoye Nickel-Cobalt Deposit

    Kazakhstan Prepares for the Launch of Gornostayevskoye Nickel-Cobalt Deposit

    The Gornostayevskoye nickel-cobalt deposit in the East Kazakhstan region is projected to begin operations within the next two years. According to Kaznickel LLP, public hearings on the project are scheduled for 23 January. The initial phase will focus on developing the Levoberezhny section using the innovative in-situ leaching (ISL) method.

    The ISL method, which extracts metals directly from underground deposits without raising ore to the surface, has been tested at the site since 2018. While commonly used for uranium extraction, its application for nickel mining is relatively rare. The Levoberezhny section contains an estimated 138.51 million tons of ore, including 793,600 tons of nickel (average content 0.57%) and 54,270 tons of cobalt (average content 0.039%).

    The Gornostayevskoye project has a maximum production capacity of 20,000 tons of nickel annually and is expected to be developed over 18 years. The project will involve the drilling of approximately 33,000 technological wells from 2026 to 2046. To support the leaching process, a sulfuric acid storage facility will be constructed directly at the site.

    This strategic initiative highlights Kazakhstan’s commitment to advancing sustainable mining technologies while leveraging its vast reserves of critical raw materials, such as nickel and cobalt, essential for the global transition to clean energy.

  • Kazakhstan Takes the Lead in Global Sustainability Efforts

    Kazakhstan Takes the Lead in Global Sustainability Efforts

    Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, participated in the inauguration of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, highlighting a bold new development paradigm during his speech on 14 January. The president emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to addressing global climate challenges, including desertification, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and food insecurity.

    As 2025 unfolds, Kazakhstan is actively aligning with European climate standards, implementing both national and international policies to combat global warming. Tokayev underscored Kazakhstan’s strategic importance, with its critical raw materials essential for the global energy transition. These materials include chrome, lead, zinc, and uranium, vital for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

    Kazakhstan is also advancing its renewable energy sector, with 148 active projects totaling 2.9 GW of capacity and ambitious plans for 26 GW by 2035. Notably, companies have committed to 43 GW of green energy projects, supporting Kazakhstan’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2060. The country is exploring nuclear energy, with plans for its first nuclear power plant, and boasts one of the largest wind farms near its capital.

    President Tokayev also addressed environmental priorities, such as biodiversity conservation and reviving the Aral Sea. Additionally, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a critical transport hub, connecting Asia and Europe via the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor.

    With growing vulnerability to climate change in Central Asia, Kazakhstan is advancing policies to protect ecosystems and promote international cooperation. Tokayev’s leadership signals a proactive approach to renewables, food security, and climate resilience.

  • Kazakhstan Updates Rules for Geological Data Management

    Kazakhstan Updates Rules for Geological Data Management

    Kazakhstan has introduced revised regulations for the management, storage, and provision of geological information under state ownership. The updated rules designate a state-owned enterprise as the operator for storing geological data, which includes primary and secondary information presented in reports.

    Public access is granted to the general section of secondary data, excluding classified or confidential materials. Users can request copies through the National Data Bank, with delivery promised within five working days following payment for the copying service.