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​.

Kazakhstan: Calls for Investigation into Rare Earth Metals Exports

Azat Peruashev, head of the Ak Zhol parliamentary faction, has urged authorities to investigate subsoil users over alleged uncontrolled exports of rare earth metals. Parliamentary Inquiry Peruashev outlined his concerns in a parliamentary request addressed to Kazakhstan’s Anti-Corruption Service chief Askhat Zhumagali and Minister of Industry Ersaiyn Nagaspayev. "Social media posts by former Kazakhmys laboratory assistant Bakyt Adilova allege that the corporation exports ore and copper concentrate without conducting chemical analysis, concealing the presence of valuable and rare earth metals. She claims the company artificially devalues exported resources, harming the national economy to benefit oligarchs," Peruashev stated. He also cited an interview with geologist Bakyt Muratov on Elmedia, in which the expert criticized the absence of laboratory analysis in ore and concentrate exports. Muratov noted that for decades, major mining companies have shipped raw materials abroad for processing, leaving Kazakhstan unaware of the true value of its exports. "We still do not know exactly what we are selling. Complex ores are being exported without proper analysis. No one knows the vast sums of money that have left the country and returned as finished products," Muratov said. The Ak Zhol parliamentary faction is demanding official confirmation or denial of these claims. Lawmakers insist that authorities either prosecute those spreading false information or launch an anti-corruption investigation. Additionally, the party is calling for tighter government oversight of mineral exports. "Kazakhstan holds significant reserves of rare earth metals, including lanthanum, cerium, and yttrium, strategic elements crucial for high-tech industries. Rare earth metals are emerging as the 'new oil' in the global economy, with their availability increasingly influencing global power dynamics. Experts estimate that demand for some of these metals could grow up to 40-fold in the coming years," Peruashev concluded. Response from Kazakhmys In response, Kazakhmys Corporation stated that it does not engage in targeted mining of rare earth metals. However, the company acknowledged that small amounts of rare metals are recovered during acid washing processes. The corporation explained that production waste is processed at Zhezkazganredmet, a state-owned enterprise specializing in the separation and refining of rare metals. Waste from precious metal production is handled by Kazakhmys Progress LLP, which is responsible for refining. “All company operations are strictly regulated by the relevant authorities. We fully support stronger state oversight of mineral exports and are open to dialogue with government agencies. Allegations of concealing rare earth metals or artificially lowering the value of exported raw materials are baseless and do not reflect reality,” Kazakhmys said in a statement. Kazakhmys and the Broader Rare Earth Metals Landscape Kazakhmys was established as a joint stock company in August 1997 and re-registered as a limited liability partnership in January 2005. The company specializes in mining and processing copper ore into cathodes and rods, refining and selling precious metals, and managing by-products from copper production. Kazakhmys ranks as the world’s 20th largest producer of copper in concentrate (271 ktpa) and 12th largest producer of blister and cathode copper (377 ktpa and 365 ktpa, respectively). Its operations include...