MINEX Forum

Tag: Kazakhstan

  • Tin One Mining and North Kazakhstan Akimat Sign Investment Memorandum for Syrymbet Deposit

    Tin One Mining and North Kazakhstan Akimat Sign Investment Memorandum for Syrymbet Deposit

    Tin One Mining, a subsidiary of Solidcore Resources, has signed a significant Memorandum with the Department of Entrepreneurship and Industrial-Innovative Development of the North Kazakhstan region Akimat, marking a pivotal step in the development of the Syrymbet tin deposit. This agreement was formalised during the Qyzyljar Investment Forum 2026, where both parties committed to the construction of a mining and processing plant (MPP) at the site, which is recognised as the largest undeveloped tin deposit in Central Asia.

    The memorandum solidifies prior discussions regarding the project, which is expected to create substantial employment opportunities and bolster the industrial capacity of the region. The initiative aims to modernise local engineering and transport infrastructure, thereby enhancing the overall economic landscape of North Kazakhstan. The Department of Entrepreneurship and Industrial-Innovative Development will play a crucial role in facilitating the project, ensuring collaboration with government entities, and providing support throughout the investment process.

    Tin One Mining has announced plans to invest a minimum of KZT 150 billion (over US$ 315.5 million) into the development of the Syrymbet deposit, which includes the construction of the MPP and associated infrastructure. The company is dedicated to employing modern extraction and processing technologies that meet global standards for environmental protection and operational safety. Approximately 800 jobs are expected to be created, with a focus on hiring local residents who possess the required qualifications and skills.

    The Syrymbet deposit, discovered in 1985, holds significant reserves, accounting for more than 70% of Kazakhstan’s total tin reserves. The JORC compliant Mineral Resource estimate indicates a total of 492.4 thousand tonnes of tin at a grade of 0.40%, alongside 91.4 thousand tonnes of copper at a grade of 0.07%, equating to approximately 5.9 million ounces of gold equivalent. This project not only represents a major investment in the mining sector but also underscores the potential of Kazakhstan’s mineral wealth in contributing to the region’s economic development.

  • Kazakhstan Completes Digitisation of 4.8 Million Geological Materials

    Kazakhstan Completes Digitisation of 4.8 Million Geological Materials

    Kazakhstan’s Committee of Geology has successfully completed the digitisation of priority geological information, converting a total of 4,818,836 units into digital format, which represents 100% of the planned volume. This extensive archive includes 4,304,239 pages of geological reports and 355,000 maps, diagrams, and drawings. The creation of a unified digital data array is expected to significantly enhance the search for geological information while reducing the risk of losing paper archives.

    The next phase of this initiative will involve the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to facilitate document recognition, analyse large datasets, and identify interconnections within the geological information. This advancement aims to further streamline the integration of these materials with the Unified Platform for Subsoil Users, thereby simplifying access for investors and subsoil users to crucial geological data. The digitisation effort not only modernises Kazakhstan’s geological information management but also positions the country as a more attractive destination for investment in the mining sector.

    As the mining industry increasingly relies on data-driven decision-making, Kazakhstan’s move to digitise its geological archives is a significant step forward. By making vital geological information more accessible, the country is not only safeguarding its resources but also enhancing its appeal to both domestic and international investors looking to explore and develop its mineral wealth.

  • Zijin RG Gold Team Visits Tau-Ken Altyn Refinery to Enhance Industry Collaboration

    Zijin RG Gold Team Visits Tau-Ken Altyn Refinery to Enhance Industry Collaboration

    The Zijin RG Gold team recently visited the Tau-Ken Altyn refinery, a key player in Kazakhstan’s precious metals refining sector. This visit provided the team with an opportunity to observe the complete production cycle, including the organisation of technological processes, the accounting system for precious metals, and the approaches to quality assurance, industrial safety, and production control. Such professional meetings are crucial for exchanging experiences and fostering a deeper understanding of industry specifics, ultimately strengthening collaboration among enterprises united by the common goal of developing a modern, efficient, and responsible mining and metallurgical industry.

    During the visit, the Zijin RG Gold team expressed gratitude to the Tau-Ken Altyn staff for their openness and the informative tour, which showcased practical experiences in the field. The interaction highlighted the importance of such engagements in enhancing professional competencies and laying the groundwork for future cooperation. The visit underscores the commitment of both companies to advancing the mining sector in Kazakhstan through shared knowledge and best practices.

    As the mining industry continues to evolve, initiatives like this play a pivotal role in ensuring that companies remain competitive and compliant with international standards. The collaboration between Zijin RG Gold and Tau-Ken Altyn reflects a broader trend in the industry towards increased cooperation and knowledge sharing, which is essential for sustainable growth and innovation in the mining sector.

  • Cove Kaz Capital Group Launches Definitive Feasibility Study for Northern Katpar Tungsten Project in Kazakhstan

    Cove Kaz Capital Group Launches Definitive Feasibility Study for Northern Katpar Tungsten Project in Kazakhstan

    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.

  • Kazakhstan’s Uranium Production Surges by 9% in H1 2026, Reports Kazatomprom

    Kazakhstan’s Uranium Production Surges by 9% in H1 2026, Reports Kazatomprom

    Kazakhstan has reported a significant increase in its uranium production for the first half of 2026, with output rising by 9% compared to the same period last year. According to Kazatomprom, the world’s largest uranium producer, the country produced 13,291 tonnes of uranium in the first six months of 2026, up from 12,242 tonnes in the first half of 2025. This growth highlights Kazakhstan’s pivotal role in the global uranium market, particularly as demand for nuclear fuel continues to rise amid a global push for cleaner energy sources.

    Kazatomprom, which is majority-owned by the Kazakh State fund Samruk-Kazyna, primarily sells uranium oxide concentrate under long-term contracts, with only a small fraction of its production being sold on the spot market. This strategic approach allows the company to maintain stable revenue streams while managing market fluctuations. The increase in production is indicative of Kazakhstan’s commitment to enhancing its mining capabilities and meeting the growing international demand for uranium, especially as many countries look to nuclear energy as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

    The rise in uranium output also reflects broader trends in the mining sector, where companies are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices and efficient production methods. As Kazakhstan continues to expand its uranium production, it reinforces its position as a key player in the global energy landscape, contributing to the transition towards more sustainable energy solutions. With Kazatomprom listed on the London Stock Exchange since 2019, the company’s performance is closely watched by investors and analysts alike, signalling the importance of uranium in the future energy mix.

  • Kazakhstan to Build Copper Smelting Plant in Balkhash with 750 Billion Tenge Investment

    Kazakhstan to Build Copper Smelting Plant in Balkhash with 750 Billion Tenge Investment

    The government of Kazakhstan has approved an investment agreement for the construction of a copper smelting plant in Balkhash, Karaganda region, with a total investment of 750 billion tenge. The agreement was signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and involves the Ministry of Industry and Construction along with Qazaq Smelter LLP. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with the plant expected to commence operations by 2030.

    The new facility will boast an annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes of cathode copper, alongside the production of 10 tonnes of gold, 300 tonnes of silver, and over 1.5 million tonnes of sulphuric acid. This ambitious project is anticipated to create approximately 1,200 permanent jobs, significantly contributing to the local economy. The introduction of these new capacities is projected to increase Kazakhstan’s copper production by 50%, raising annual output to over 800,000 tonnes.

    Furthermore, the export of high-value-added products is expected to rise from 460,000 tonnes to 760,000 tonnes of copper annually. The plant will be equipped with modern technologies and digital solutions, aligning with global standards in the mining and metallurgy sectors. This initiative underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment to enhancing its mining industry and boosting economic growth through strategic investments.

  • Hongda Group Plans Major Lead and Zinc Project in Kazakhstan

    Hongda Group Plans Major Lead and Zinc Project in Kazakhstan

    Hongda Group is set to embark on a significant investment project in Kazakhstan that could surpass Kazcink, positioning itself as the largest producer of lead and zinc in Central Asia. The initiative, valued at $1.3 billion, was highlighted during a recent visit by Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Nurlan Naliyev, to the Kyzylorda region. The project entails the construction of two underground mines and two processing plants in the Zhanakorgan district, with a combined capacity of 8 million tonnes of ore per year, alongside a full-cycle metallurgical plant. This development is expected to create over 3,000 jobs, contributing significantly to the local economy.

    The project will focus on the Talap and Burabay-Zhalgyzaghash deposits, located approximately 20 km apart. The Burabay-Zhalgyzaghash site will be developed using underground mining techniques to a depth of 500 meters. Both deposits are part of the Akuyuk-Maidantal lead-zinc ore district in the Karatau region, which is also home to the largest deposit in the area, Shalkiya. Initial exploration activities in this region took place between 1980 and 1985, with detailed surveys conducted from 2010 to 2012. The estimated reserves are classified as C2, with forecasted resources rated as P1. Geologists have noted an average zinc content of 2.01% and lead content of 1.62%, with potential for resource growth at depth.

    Investors have indicated that the metallurgical plant will have an annual output of 420,000 tonnes of zinc and 220,000 tonnes of lead, totalling 640,000 tonnes of metals. In comparison, Kazcink is projected to produce 251,800 tonnes of zinc and 76,700 tonnes of lead by 2025. Upon reaching full operational capacity, the new complex could produce 66.8% more zinc and nearly three times the amount of lead than Kazcink. If the project meets its outlined parameters, it stands to become the largest lead and zinc producer in Central Asia. Notably, the Chinese investors have already committed around 9 billion tenge to geological exploration, operating 15 drilling rigs simultaneously. Although official reserves have yet to be disclosed, the scale of drilling and the proposed processing capacity suggest a substantial resource base. An official groundbreaking ceremony is anticipated later this year, marking a significant step in the development of this ambitious project.

  • Teniz Resources Secures 39,000 Hectares for Copper Exploration in Kazakhstan

    Teniz Resources Secures 39,000 Hectares for Copper Exploration in Kazakhstan

    Teniz Resources Ltd, a company led by geologist Madina Kapenova, has been granted access to nearly 39,000 hectares for copper exploration in Kazakhstan. The Akimat of the Atbasar district issued three permits valid until 2031, allowing the company to conduct geological surveys and search for copper deposits in sedimentary rocks. The total area covered by these permits is approximately 38,838.7 hectares, equivalent to around 388 square kilometres. The first permit grants access to 14,458.8 hectares in the Sepievsky rural district, while the other two cover 21,645.1 hectares in the Pokrovsky and Makeevsky rural districts, and an additional 2,734.8 hectares in the Sepievsky village district. The permits are set to expire on May 8, 2031, for the first two areas, and June 28, 2031, for the third.

    While the specific mineral resources are not detailed in the permits, Teniz Resources is associated with a project named Teniz — Sediment-Hosted Copper, as noted on the Aurora Group’s website. The company asserts that the Teniz basin is promising for discovering significant copper deposits in sedimentary formations, with surface manifestations of copper identified in at least five priority zones for further study.

    Founded in the Astana International Financial Centre in August 2024, Teniz Resources is solely owned by Madina Kapenova, who also serves as the CEO, director, secretary, and authorised signatory. Kapenova has a strong background in geology, having previously worked at the Zhayrem Mining and Concentration Complex and in various capacities within the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development of Kazakhstan. The ongoing expansion of geological exploration in Kazakhstan is crucial, especially as the country faces the gradual depletion of known mineral reserves. Recent government initiatives aim to auction off 100 mineral sites under simplified rules, highlighting the increasing importance of discovering new deposits.

  • Eurasian Resources Group Commits $1 Billion to Kazakhstan’s Industrial Future

    Eurasian Resources Group Commits $1 Billion to Kazakhstan’s Industrial Future

    Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) has announced a significant investment of approximately $1 billion in Kazakhstan, aimed at bolstering the country’s industrial potential and long-term competitiveness. This investment strategy is rooted in the belief that the most impactful investments are those that continue to create value well beyond the initial capital commitment. ERG’s development program is designed not only to expand its business operations but also to enhance regional economies and contribute to the overall economic landscape of Kazakhstan.

    The investment initiative is set to modernise mining operations and production facilities, promote cleaner energy solutions, and accelerate the digital transformation within the industry. By the end of next year, ERG anticipates creating over 1,100 new jobs, while also contributing an estimated $1.3 billion annually to Kazakhstan’s GDP through direct production and associated economic activities. Key projects under this initiative include the Bolashak Mine, ERG Green, Spetskoks, and various renewable energy ventures, all of which reflect a commitment to industrial performance and environmental responsibility.

    Kudrat Shamiyev, CEO of ERG Kazakhstan, emphasised that effective leadership is about making decisions that will positively impact future opportunities, not just immediate financial results. He highlighted the extraordinary industrial potential of Kazakhstan and the necessity for strategic partnerships, continuous innovation, and responsible environmental practices to unlock this potential. The projects currently underway are viewed as foundational steps towards a more robust industrial future for Kazakhstan, reinforcing the notion that investment should focus on building a stronger future for the nation.

  • Chinese Investor Injects $5 Million into Kazakhstan’s Mining Exploration Sector

    Chinese Investor Injects $5 Million into Kazakhstan’s Mining Exploration Sector

    A new mining exploration company, Zhongjian Hengxin Mining, has been registered at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) with a significant capital investment of $5 million from Chinese investors. The company, established by Jian Zheng, aims to engage in geological exploration and related services to facilitate mineral extraction. This investment marks a notable entry into Kazakhstan’s mining sector, which has been increasingly attracting foreign capital, particularly from China.

    The registration of Zhongjian Hengxin Mining on June 22, 2026, aligns with a growing trend of Chinese companies establishing a presence in Kazakhstan’s mining industry. Notably, the address of the new company has already been home to several other Chinese firms involved in similar activities, including Tianshan Resources, which was registered in June and is also focused on mining services. This trend underscores the strategic interest of Chinese corporations in Kazakhstan’s rich mineral resources, particularly in light of Zijin Mining Group’s recent acquisition of RG Gold, a gold mining company operating in the Akmolinsk region.

    The influx of Chinese investment, exemplified by Zijin Mining Group’s commitment of $600 million towards the development of the Raigorodok gold deposit, highlights the potential for growth in Kazakhstan’s mining sector. As more companies like Zhongjian Hengxin Mining emerge, the collaboration between Kazakhstan and Chinese investors is expected to strengthen, paving the way for enhanced exploration and extraction activities in the region, which is rich in various minerals.