MINEX Forum

Website: Kazakhstan.com

  • Президент Касым-Жомарт Токаев призвал к решительным действиям для ускорения развития Казахстана

    Президент Касым-Жомарт Токаев призвал к решительным действиям для ускорения развития Казахстана

    Президент Касым-Жомарт Токаев подчеркнул необходимость решительных действий со стороны членов правительства для достижения значительных результатов в социально-экономическом развитии страны. Он отметил важность строгого контроля за выполнением поставленных задач и подчеркнул, что реформы будут координироваться через новый центр под руководством Дархана Сатыбалды.

    Ключевые приоритеты включают крупные инфраструктурные проекты, цифровизацию, искусственный интеллект и развитие атомной энергетики. Президент поручил ускорить строительство двух или трёх атомных станций, что сделает Казахстан лидером в ядерной энергетике и цифровых технологиях.

  • President Calls for Bold Decisions to Accelerate Kazakhstan’s Development

    President Calls for Bold Decisions to Accelerate Kazakhstan’s Development

    President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged government members to take decisive actions for impactful socio-economic progress. He emphasized the importance of tracking the implementation of his directives, particularly through a newly established center to enhance reform efficiency, coordinated by First Deputy Chief of Staff Darhan Satybaldy.

    The President highlighted key strategic priorities, including large-scale infrastructure projects, digitization, artificial intelligence, and nuclear energy. He stressed the urgency of building two or three nuclear power plants to establish Kazakhstan as a leader in advanced nuclear energy and digital technology.

  • General Prosecutor to Audit KazZinc for Environmental Compliance

    General Prosecutor to Audit KazZinc for Environmental Compliance

    The General Prosecutor’s Office will audit KazZinc LLP to assess compliance with environmental laws following significant air pollution in Ust-Kamenogorsk from November 23 to December 1, 2024. The audit will involve experts from the Environmental Regulation and Control Committee.

    The regional roadmap for 2024-2026 includes measures to reduce harmful emissions by 10-20%. Key initiatives include upgrading sulfur gas treatment systems at KazZinc’s metallurgical complex, projected to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 2,200 tons by 2026. Despite these plans, air quality in the city remains a critical concern.

  • Генеральная прокуратура проверит «Казцинк» на соблюдение экологических норм

    Генеральная прокуратура проверит «Казцинк» на соблюдение экологических норм

    Генеральная прокуратура начнет проверку ТОО «Казцинк» из-за нарушения экологического законодательства. Это связано с неблагоприятной ситуацией в Усть-Каменогорске в ноябре-декабре 2024 года, когда превышение концентрации загрязняющих веществ в воздухе вызвало рекордный смог. Проверка пройдет с участием экологических специалистов.

    Модернизация установок по доочистке сернистого газа на металлургическом комплексе «Казцинк» должна к 2026 году сократить выбросы диоксида серы на 2,2 тыс. тонн. Однако город ежегодно страдает от безветрия и загрязнения воздуха, требующего новых решений.

  • Sarytogan secures 25-year mining licence for Kazakhstan graphite mine

    Sarytogan secures 25-year mining licence for Kazakhstan graphite mine

    Sarytogan Graphite has received a significant boost with the granting of a 25-year mining licence by the Kazakhstan Ministry of Industry and Construction for its graphite mine in the Karaganda region.

    The licence, covering an area of 8.88km², provides the company with the right to mine for graphite for the next quarter century. Importantly, the licence includes an option to extend for an additional 20 years, and thereafter until the mineral resource is fully depleted. This long-term security underscores the government’s confidence in the project’s viability and potential.

    This milestone follows the company’s successful acquisition of an environmental permit last month, demonstrating its commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices.

    The licence comes with specific obligations designed to benefit both the company and the local community. Sarytogan is required to maintain a minimum annual expenditure of 8,938 monthly calculated indicators (MCIs), indexed yearly, ensuring continuous investment in the mine’s operations.

    The company is committed to supporting the development of the Kazakh industry by utilizing at least 50% of domestic works and services in its production activities. Sarytogan will also invest 1% of its production costs in training local personnel and another 1% in research and development, fostering local skills and innovation.

    Sarytogan Graphite will contribute 1,000 MCIs, approximately $7,500 in 2025, annually to the socioeconomic development of the region, demonstrating its commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen.

    This comprehensive licence agreement sets the stage for Sarytogan Graphite to become a significant player in the global graphite market, while simultaneously contributing to the economic and social development of the Karaganda region.

  • What’s Behind Rosatom’s Sale of Stakes in Kazakhstan to China

    What’s Behind Rosatom’s Sale of Stakes in Kazakhstan to China

    What’s Behind Rosatom’s Sale of Stakes in Kazakhstan to China Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom has sold its stakes in three uranium mining joint ventures in Kazakhstan to Chinese companies, amid sanctions risks and financial needs. The sale includes a 49.99% stake in Zarechnoye, a 30% stake in Khorasan-U, and a 30% indirect stake in Kyzylkum joint ventures with Kazakhstan’s national company Kazatomprom.

    The deal appears to be driven by Kazatomprom’s concerns about potential Western sanctions due to its partnership with Rosatom. As the world’s largest uranium producer, Kazatomprom sells 29% of its production to Europe and wants to avoid sanctions complications that could affect its business. For China, acquiring these stakes aligns with its energy security strategy. While the Zarechnoye deposit has limited reserves (3,500 tons of uranium with 3-5 years of operation left), the Khorasan-1 site contains about 33,000 tons. This acquisition supports China’s ambitious nuclear power expansion plans – the country aims to build over 150 new reactors by 2035, adding to its current 54 operating units.

    The deal benefits Kazakhstan by establishing direct producer-consumer cooperation with China, which has both modern mining technologies and investment capacity, unlike Rosatom’s older extraction methods. While some deposits may be nearing depletion, unexplored areas and potential new partnerships with Kazatomprom make this a strategic investment for China’s growing nuclear sector.

  • New Environmental Initiatives in East Kazakhstan to Reduce Harmful Emissions

    New Environmental Initiatives in East Kazakhstan to Reduce Harmful Emissions

    In a significant move to bolster environmental protection in East Kazakhstan, the government has outlined plans to reduce harmful emissions and improve ecological conditions in the region.

    According to the roadmap for East Kazakhstan and the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk for 2024-2026, several key environmental measures are set to be implemented. Two of the most notable initiatives include:

    1. Modernization of Sulfur Dioxide Cleaning Units: At the Ust-Kamenogorsk Metallurgical Complex of Kazzinc LLC, the modernization of sulfur dioxide cleaning units is expected to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 2,200 tons by 2026. This project aligns with the indicators of the national project “Green Kazakhstan” and aims to significantly lower air pollution.
    2. Construction of the ‘Hydropolymer’ Facility: A new ‘Hydropolymer’ facility will be built at the Ridder Metallurgical Complex of Kazzinc LLC. This project is anticipated to decrease sulfur dioxide emissions by 714 tons in 2024, contributing to a cleaner environment in the region.

    The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, in collaboration with local akimats, has approved 19 roadmaps aimed at comprehensively addressing environmental issues in each region. These roadmaps include measures to reduce air, water, and soil pollution, implement the best available technologies in enterprises, manage waste, and promote environmental education.

    It is expected that these measures will result in a 10-20% reduction in harmful emissions across East Kazakhstan.

    This initiative follows a request from senators for information on planned measures to combat ecological pollution in the country, highlighting the government’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.

  • AGMK to Launch First Phase of New Copper Enrichment Plant in July 2025

    AGMK to Launch First Phase of New Copper Enrichment Plant in July 2025

    The Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AGMK) is set to commission the first phase of its third copper processing plant in July 2025.

    This milestone is outlined in Uzbekistan’s 2025 State Program draft, recently published for public discussion.

    According to the document, construction and installation work for the new system utilizing cyclic-flow technology with a transportation capacity of 65 million tons of ore are expected to be completed by May 2025.

    By June, the delivery, installation, and setup of key technological equipment necessary for the plant’s operation will be finalized.

    The first phase of the third copper processing plant will commence operations in July 2025, with a processing capacity of up to 60 million tons of ore annually. This development will significantly boost AGMK’s total ore processing capacity from the current 40 million tons to an impressive 100 million tons per year.

    The ambitious project is being funded through AGMK’s own resources and loans from international banks, with the overall modernization program estimated to cost $4.8 billion. Completion of all related works is anticipated by 2026.

    In addition, AGMK began construction of a fourth copper processing plant in October 2024, marking another step in its strategic expansion.

    This initiative is part of AGMK’s broader efforts to modernize and expand its mining and processing capabilities, reinforcing its role as a key player in the global mining industry.

  • Erdene Resource Development: A Dual Promise of Near-Term Gold Production

    Erdene Resource Development: A Dual Promise of Near-Term Gold Production

    Erdene Resource Development Corp. (ERD.CA) is gaining attention as a standout investment opportunity, combining imminent gold production with significant exploration upside.

    The company’s flagship Bayan Khundii (BK) deposit in Mongolia is on track for its first gold pour by mid-2025. BK’s high-grade, open-pit structure and favorable economics position it as a key driver of Erdene’s growth. With proven and probable reserves of 513,700 ounces of gold and an average head grade exceeding 3 g/t — three times the global average for open-pit mines — the project boasts an after-tax net present value of $275 million (at $2,200/oz gold) and an internal rate of return of 49%. All-in sustaining costs are projected to be just $869/oz, suggesting robust profitability in today’s high gold price environment.

    Exploration in a High-Potential District
    Erdene holds a 50% stake in the broader Khundii district, which it controls alongside Mongolian Mining Co. Over the years, the company has identified several additional gold and polymetallic targets within the district.

    The Khundii region lies within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, known for hosting world-class deposits such as Kumtor (14 million ounces), Almalyk (25 million ounces), Muruntau (140 million ounces), and Oyu Tolgoi (62 million ounces). Ongoing exploration suggests that Khundii could develop into a similarly large-scale gold district.

    Drilling programs across Erdene’s property licenses have consistently delivered high-grade results, and the company expects more market-moving updates as the year progresses.

    Progress Toward Production
    Erdene and its local partner are rapidly advancing the BK project toward construction and cash flow. The company’s ability to pair near-term production with continued exploration success highlights its unique value proposition.

  • Environmental Measures in East Kazakhstan: Reducing Emissions by 20%

    Environmental Measures in East Kazakhstan: Reducing Emissions by 20%

    The East Kazakhstan region is taking significant steps to combat air pollution, focusing on reducing harmful emissions from industrial operations. A comprehensive action plan for 2024-2026 outlines several initiatives aimed at improving the region’s environmental situation. These include the modernization of sulfur gas cleaning systems at the Ust-Kamenogorsk Metallurgical Complex, targeting a 2,200-ton reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions by 2026. Additionally, the construction of the “Hydropolymer” workshop at the Ridder Metallurgical Complex will further reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 714 tons in 2024. The overall goal is to decrease emissions by 10-20% across the region.