Kazakhstan’s Unexploited Potential of Deep Processing of Coal

During the 5th Coal Industry Forum at the 14th International Mining and Metallurgical Congress on 6-7 June in Astana, Yerzhan Yelekeyev, Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakh Invest, presented new investment opportunities to produce high-tech goods from Kazakh coal. Substantiating his claim that the coal chemistry industry has the means to help grow Kazakhstan’s chemical industry and developments in manufacturing, Yelekeyev stated: "Having an extensive resource base and an advantageous geographical location, we must realize the potential of the coal chemical industry. In total, more than 400 different products can be obtained by processing coal, the cost of which is 20-25 times higher than the cost of coal itself. With the deep processing of coal, it is possible to obtain products that cost 25-30 times more than raw materials. Currently, the share of coal products in Kazakhstan is 3%; an indicator of the low level of development of coal chemistry. The price of coal is lower and more stable than that of gas and oil. According to preliminary calculations, the unused potential is  worth $25 billion.” In his presentation on "Partnership of Kazakhstan and the European Union in the field of critical minerals,” Timur Izbasarov, Deputy Director of the Strategy Department at Kazakh Invest, added that according to the World Bank, Kazakhstan has over 5,000 undiscovered deposits valued at over 46 trillion US dollars, and hence, significant opportunities for investment and cooperation in the field waiting to be untapped.  

Central Asia’s Untapped Potential: Key to Green Transition, Food Security, and Digital Economy Growth

Central Asia, with its rich history as a crossroads of civilizations and a gateway between East and West, finds itself at a crucial juncture in its economic development. The region is showing signs of moving towards becoming a more cohesive economic group, an evolution that could have far-reaching implications for renewable energy development, food security, global commerce and geopolitics. Central Asian states are better positioned than ever to capitalize on their strengths and resources to help the rest of the world deal with climate change, security challenges associated with geopolitical shifts and the ongoing digital transformation of the global economy. Realizing this vast potential will require continued focus, commitment and cooperation from the region’s leaders, as well as long-overdue support from Western leaders for some of the most progressive reforms Central Asia has seen in recent years. Green energy potential Rich in natural resources, Central Asia is fast becoming pivotal for the global green energy transition. Leveraging vast reserves of rare earth elements (REEs) and other crucial minerals combined with its significant potential for renewable energy production, the region is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to realizing a more sustainable future. Kazakhstan, one of the region's major players, boasts over 56 identified deposits of REEs, with reserves and resources surpassing 450,000 tons. These elements, including lithium and cobalt production, are crucial for battery technologies powering renewable energy applications. This positions Kazakhstan as a significant supplier for the burgeoning green technology industry. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan also show promise. Inventory reviews of REE-bearing mineral occurrences and delineation of areas-of-interest suggest these countries could be home to considerable undiscovered resources, further boosting their contribution to green energy transitions. In addition to its abundant natural resources, Central Asia is an ideal candidate for green hydrogen production. Uzbekistan, with  PowerChina and the Saudi company ACWA Power is constructing the  country's first green hydrogen plant. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, with their surplus hydropower electricity, are well-positioned for hydrogen production. Once again, however, Kazakhstan boasts the most ambitious goal: The country aims to produce two million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2032, marking its intent to become a major player in the global green hydrogen market. In 2022, it inked a $50 billion deal with the German energy grou Svevind to build one of the world's largest green hydrogen plants supplying Europe. Kazakhstan, which holds 13% of the world’s uranium reserves, also leads the pack in uranium mining, meeting a significant portion of annual demand from  Europe and the U.S.. As nuclear power plays a crucial role in the green energy transition, Kazakhstan's role is set to grow. The country is exploring new avenues to access the international market. On the other hand, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are also known for their uranium deposits but they are currently prioritizing the remediation of past mining sites over active uranium production. This responsible approach underscores the region's commitment to sustainable development. Central Asia's commitment to a greener future extends beyond resource development.. Several states, including Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan,...