Kazakhstan’s Youth Soccer Players Hospitalized After Suspected Food Poisoning in Tashkent

Six children and two adults in a youth soccer delegation from Kazakhstan remained hospitalized in Tashkent on November 4 after a suspected food poisoning outbreak during an international tournament. Kazakhstan’s embassy in Uzbekistan said they were in stable condition and that 10 other patients had been discharged. The group had traveled from the Karaganda region for the Dostlik Cup 2026. Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health said members of the group ate eggs with partially cooked yolks and sausages for breakfast at their hotel on November 1. Thirteen people developed vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever later that day, and seven others sought treatment with similar symptoms over the following two days. Ambulances took the first patients to a specialized medical center before they were transferred to Tashkent City Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital No. 5. The ministry said 20 people had received treatment for acute diarrhea, with none requiring intensive care. Consul Saken Perdebekov and Kazakhstan’s ambassador have visited the hospital, and the embassy is assisting patients and their families. Health officials from both countries are coordinating the response. The Chilanzar District Prosecutor’s Office has opened a criminal investigation into possible violations of sanitary regulations. A separate food poisoning outbreak at state kindergartens in the Tashkent region affected hundreds of children in September 2025. Health inspectors have collected samples of leftover food from the delegation’s hotel for laboratory testing. The cause of the illness has not yet been established, and the investigation is continuing.

Kazakhstan to Develop Rare Earth Metals Deposit in Karaganda Region

Kazakhstan’s national mining company, Tau-Ken Samruk, is preparing to develop the Kuirektykol rare earth metals deposit in the Karkaraly district of the Karaganda region, located in central Kazakhstan. Initial exploration of the Kuirektykol site began in 2022 and concluded in November 2024. Surveyors discovered commercially viable concentrations of rare earth elements, including cerium and lanthanides, across a 64.2 square kilometer area. Four promising zones were identified, with total resources estimated at 935,400 tons and confirmed reserves of 795,800 tons. Preliminary data suggests that reserves could potentially double with further exploration​. On Monday, it was announced that Tau-Ken Samruk will lead the next phase of development, which includes pre-investment preparations such as additional geological studies, technology selection, and feasibility assessments. The company may proceed either independently or in partnership with private investors. “This approach has already been applied to pilot projects at the Karatas (copper), Zhosabai (gold), North Katpar, and Upper Kayrakty (tungsten) deposits,” the Cabinet of Ministers noted. “The Kuirektykol site, with its significant rare-earth reserves used in semiconductors and high-powered magnets, is the next in line for development”​. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov highlighted the growth of private investment in the sector. Over the past six years, private capital in solid mineral exploration has tripled, reaching 100 billion tenge (approximately $198.6 million) in 2024. However, Bektenov also emphasized that state funding for geological exploration remains insufficient. In total, 38 promising areas with solid mineral deposits were identified across Kazakhstan in 2024. Earlier this year, Azat Peruashev, head of the Ak Zhol parliamentary faction, called on authorities to investigate subsoil users amid concerns over the alleged uncontrolled export of rare earth metals​.