Mining - The Times Of Central Asia

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Mining

Kazakhstan’s Kazchrome Launches Flotation Plant to Recover Chromium from Waste

A new flotation unit for extracting chromium from industrial waste has been launched at the Donskoy Mining and Processing Plant (GOK) in Khromtau, located in Kazakhstan’s Aktobe region. The initiative, part of the ERG Green program, was developed by Kazchrome, a subsidiary of Eurasian Resources Group (ERG). Founded in 1938, Donskoy GOK operates the world’s second-largest confirmed chromium ore deposit. Most of its output supplies Kazakhstan’s ferroalloy plants in Aksu (Pavlodar region) and Aktobe. In 2024, the plant reported record output, producing 6 million tons of ore and 1.864 million tons of ferroalloys. The new flotation facility is expected to boost production by processing accumulated industrial waste. Kazchrome invested more than 20.6 billion tenge (approximately $38 million) into the project. While flotation is commonly used in non-ferrous and precious metals mining, it is rarely applied in the chromium sector. ERG’s Research and Engineering Center patented the process, which enables chromium recovery from ultrafine particles (UFPs) previously considered unprocessable. “This technology is a clear example of ERG’s approach to combining advanced global practices with in-house solutions,” said Shukhrat Ibragimov, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of ERG. “It reflects our strategy to transform legacy industrial waste into valuable resources.” The flotation unit marks the second stage of ERG’s environmental program at Donskoy GOK. In 2023, the plant launched a facility utilizing gravity separation to produce concentrate with a chromium content of at least 48.5 percent. The new unit targets ultrafine fractions remaining after gravity processing. The process involves injecting air or gas into water mixed with waste particles. Hydrophobic chromium particles attach to air bubbles, float to the surface as foam, and are collected for further treatment. According to the company, the facility will process approximately 14.5 million tons of historically accumulated waste. The project aligns with Kazakhstan’s national policy to incentivize recycling of man-made mineral formations (MMF). The government has proposed a tenfold reduction in the mineral extraction tax (MET) for companies engaged in MMF processing, as mining sites are estimated to contain 55-60 billion tons of waste stockpiles.

Mining

Kazakhstan and Germany Launch Mining and Metallurgy Consortium

The second Kazakh-German Week, Science and Education: Partnership between Kazakhstan and Germany, opened on September 23 at Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University in Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk), the industrial heart of East Kazakhstan region and a key hub for the country’s mining and metallurgical sector. A major outcome of the opening ceremony was the establishment of the Consortium for the Development of the Kazakh-German Institute of Science and Technology. The institute, launched in 2024 at East Kazakhstan Technical University, focuses on specialized training for professionals in mining and metallurgy. The new Consortium brings together leading academic institutions from both countries, including Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, Kazakh-German University, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (Freiberg University of Mining and Technology), Ruhr University Bochum, Clausthal University of Technology, Technical University of Dortmund, and the University of Duisburg-Essen. Its mission is to promote joint research, academic exchange, technology transfer, and applied projects across critical industrial domains such as mining, geology, rare earth metals, energy, and environmental engineering. Key industrial players in East Kazakhstan, including Kazzinc, the Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant, and the Ulba Metallurgical Plant, are actively supporting the initiative through applied science and innovation partnerships. In a video address, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek emphasized that German universities remain strategic partners for Kazakhstan in developing a future-ready workforce. Officials noted that the consortium’s launch holds particular significance for East Kazakhstan, where mining and metallurgy form a cornerstone of the national industrial economy. Long-term sustainability in the sector, they said, will depend on the integration of science, innovation, and high-level technical education.

Mining

Kyrgyzstan Sees Growth in Mining Output Despite Fewer Licensed Operators

Kyrgyzstan recorded a notable increase in the extraction of gold, silver, coal, and natural gas in the first half of 2025, even as the number of companies operating in the sector declined, according to data from the Kyrgyz Geological Service. Compared to the first six months of 2024, the country produced an additional 700 kg of gold and 1.1 million m³ more natural gas in 2025. Silver and coal production also rose significantly. However, the sector is seeing a consolidation. A total of 199 production licenses were revoked in the first half of 2025, while only 15 new licenses were issued, down from 26 over the same period last year. Government officials noted that many license holders had not initiated development, and their permits were reallocated to other operators upon expiration. Increased Output and Revenue The state resource balance in the first half of 2025 was as follows: Regular gold: 5.8 tons Placer gold: up from 28.3 kg to 57 kg Silver: up from 198 kg to 3.8 tons Coal: up from 3.1 million to 4.4 million tons Tax and non-tax revenues increased from 17.9 billion KGS ($205.2 million) to 27.8 billion KGS ($318.5 million). Industrial production reached 30.7 billion KGS ($352 million), marking a rise of nearly 3 billion KGS ($34.4 million). Risks to Construction Resources At the same time, reserves of marble, sand, and gravel have declined due to high demand from the construction sector. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the ongoing construction boom is driving aggressive extraction of these materials, hastening depletion. Balancing Growth and Sustainability While the increase in mineral production and revenue contributes positively to Kyrgyzstan’s GDP and reflects the benefits of a streamlined licensing policy, the report emphasizes the importance of sustainable resource management. With continued pressure from the construction and energy sectors, experts caution that long-term planning is crucial to avoid overexploitation of finite resources.

Mining

Chinese Mining Firm Lists on AIX in Landmark Belt and Road IPO

China’s Jiaxin International Resources Investment Limited, the world’s leading tungsten mining and production company, has successfully completed an offering of common shares on the Astana International Exchange (AIX) in Kazakhstan. The listing ceremony took place on September 5 during Astana Finance Days 2025, marking a milestone for Kazakhstan’s capital market. According to the Ministry of Industry and Construction, the transaction represents the first IPO in Central Asia denominated in Chinese yuan (CNY) and the first IPO on AIX’s dedicated Belt and Road Initiative segment. Strategic Importance of the Boguty Mine Jiaxin International is currently developing the Boguty tungsten deposit in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region. With reserves of approximately 107 million tons of ore, Boguty is ranked as the fourth-largest tungsten deposit in the world, positioning Kazakhstan as a critical player in the global supply chain for this strategic metal. At the listing ceremony, Minister of Industry and Construction Ersayin Nagaspayev emphasized the strategic value of the transaction: “This event once again demonstrates the high level of investor confidence in the Astana International Financial Center. I am confident that the example of such a large and reputable company will significantly increase the investment attractiveness of Kazakhstan and attract new foreign participants.” AIX, established in 2017 under the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC), counts among its shareholders the AIFC, Shanghai Stock Exchange, Silk Road Fund, and NASDAQ which also provides its trading platform. Record-Breaking Demand Ordinary shares of Jiaxin International were admitted to listing on August 28 on both AIX and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). The final offer price was set at CNY 9.93. Global demand exceeded $34 billion, with the IPO more than 220 times oversubscribed compared to the targeted amount. Confidence in Kazakhstan’s Market Assel Mukazhanova, CEO of AIX, highlighted the significance of the deal: “It has been about 10 years since Jiaxin first entered the Kazakh market with a tungsten investment project, and today we are proud to celebrate the inclusion of its shares into the AIX Official List. This achievement not only demonstrates the trust placed in our market but also sets a strong precedent for other issuers to follow.” For Jiaxin International, the dual listing underscores the growing economic ties between China and Kazakhstan. Liu Liqiang, Chairman of Jiaxin International Resources Investment Limited, stated: “This milestone not only marks a significant chapter in the company’s growth journey, but also reflects our solid step forward in deepening China-Kazakhstan economic cooperation in the context of High-Quality Belt and Road Cooperation.”

Rare Earth Metals

Tajikistan Uncovers Major Rare Earth Deposits in Rasht Valley

Newly discovered deposits of the rare earth metals tantalum and niobium in Tajikistan could reshape the country's mining sector and economic future, according to the Tajik Geological Survey. Strategic Discoveries in the Rasht Valley Ilkhom Oymukhammadzoda, head of the Geological Administration, announced the discovery of substantial niobium and tantalum concentrations in the Rasht Valley, based on the analysis of 125 samples collected from the Nazaraylok and Yosuman areas. Tantalum is critical to electronics manufacturing, while niobium is used in high-strength alloys for the aerospace and construction industries both metals are of growing strategic importance. Oymukhammadzoda also confirmed the identification of 15 additional sites rich in rare metals such as lithium, niobium, and tantalum across remote eastern regions including Karasu, Agbasoy, Pyron, and Rohshif. Gold prospects have also emerged. At the Novy Sarimardi site, a gold-bearing ore body with a concentration of 0.96 grams per tonne has been located, potentially attracting investor interest. Geophysical surveys have identified three anomalies in the Laylakul and Sangibek areas, suggesting further opportunities for mineral exploration and development. Key Geological Zones Tajikistan’s rare earth resources are primarily concentrated in two strategic zones: the Central Region and the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO). In the Central Region, exploration is focused on the Zeravshan and Karategin ridges. Pegmatite fields in Karasu, Akbasai, and Payron are currently under assessment for reserves of niobium, tantalum, lithium, and tin. In GBAO, exploration is underway in the Shughnan, Rushan, Ishkoshim, and Vakhsh ridges. Sites such as Kolkhozabad, Taglikhas, and Vez-Dara have shown traces of rubidium and other rare elements essential to high-tech industries. Economic Potential and National Strategy Geological survey work is state-funded and focused on assessing reserves of strategic resources. One of the most promising sites is Nazaraylok, where preliminary projections suggest reserves of niobium and tantalum may reach several hundred thousand tons. Beyond these metals, Tajikistan’s subsoil contains beryllium, cesium, lithium, tin, and light lanthanides, all in increasing demand on global markets. Rare earth resources are emerging as a cornerstone of future economic development. With its expanding inventory of strategic metals, Tajikistan could become a key player in the global rare earth supply chain.

Critical Minerals

Kyrgyzstan Seeks Foreign Investment in Critical Minerals Sector

Kyrgyzstan is emerging as a potential player in the global critical minerals market and is actively seeking international partnerships to develop its untapped geological resources. Speaking at the International Forum on Critical Minerals 2025 in Seoul on May 12-13, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision Marat Jusupbekov emphasized the country’s growing relevance in the strategic resource sector. He noted that Kyrgyzstan is home to 11 deposits of rare earth elements (REEs), positioning it as a promising destination for investment and cooperation. “Kyrgyzstan has significant reserves of rare and critical minerals that are essential for the energy transition and high-tech manufacturing. We are open to cooperation with global partners,” Jusupbekov said during his address. One of the most notable assets is the Kutessay II deposit, which holds more than 63,300 tons of rare earth metals, along with molybdenum, silver, bismuth, lead, and zinc. The government is promoting joint development of this site with the nearby Kalesai beryllium deposit, which contains an estimated 11,700 tons of beryllium. Both deposits are licensed to Kyrgyzgeology, a state-owned enterprise tasked with attracting foreign investment. Jusupbekov also highlighted the potential of the Kyzyl-Ompol uranium-thorium group, including the Tash-Bulak area, where titanium-magnetite reserves are estimated at 5.5 million tons. This project is licensed to Kyrgyzaltyn, the country’s largest mining company. The deputy minister underlined the strategic role of critical minerals in the global transition to clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Materials such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, gallium, indium, graphite, and zinc are essential for the production of solar panels, electric vehicle batteries, and other next-generation technologies. “Kyrgyzstan is committed to modernizing its mining sector by adopting green technologies and responsible extraction practices,” he said. “We invite international partners to co-develop critical mineral projects and advance sustainable industrial growth.” In December 2024, Kyrgyzstan signed Memorandums of Understanding with South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM). These agreements laid the foundation for deeper cooperation and potential South Korean investment in Kyrgyzstan’s mining sector. The International Forum on Critical Minerals 2025, co-hosted by KIGAM, South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought together representatives from 12 countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Mongolia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia, Canada, and new participants Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.