Kazakhstan’s mineral reserves are projected to last for 20 to 40 years, depending on the resource, according to Akbarov, head of the country’s Geological Committee. During a briefing at the Central Communications Service, Akbarov noted that while the situation for many resources is stable, with an average reserve life of 20 years, some deposits face significant geological and technical challenges.
Key resources such as gold are estimated to last for 20 years, while copper reserves may sustain production for up to 40 years. However, certain deposits are nearing depletion, with reserves sufficient for only 5 to 10 years.
To address this, Kazakhstan is intensifying efforts in geological exploration. Starting next year, the country will transition from a 1:200,000 scale to a more detailed 1:500,000 scale for geological mapping. This shift aims to identify hidden and geologically complex deposits, enhancing the mineral resource base. Akbarov emphasized that these initiatives could significantly boost the efficiency of exploration and replenish Kazakhstan’s mineral reserves.