Kazakhstan Advances Rare-Earth Metals Sector Development
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting on Aug. 21 to accelerate the development of Kazakhstan’s rare and rare-earth metals industry, following the President’s instructions to attract advanced technologies and investments.
Bektenov underlined priorities including modernization of production facilities, expansion of geological exploration, adoption of modern processing technologies, and strengthening of the research base.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Construction, rare and rare-earth metals currently account for 2.4% of Kazakhstan’s metallurgy output. Since 2018, 67 billion tenge (US$124.6 million) has been allocated to the sector. Large-scale geological work now covers 25 sites totaling 100,000 square kilometers, with 38 promising solid mineral deposits identified in 2024 alone.
Kazakhstan produces beryllium, tantalum, niobium, scandium, titanium, rhenium, and osmium, while by-products include bismuth, antimony, selenium, and tellurium. Technologies for gallium and indium extraction are also available. Key growth areas include battery materials, heat-resistant alloys, semiconductor components, and permanent magnets.
Global demand for rare and rare-earth metals reached 1.6 million tons in 2024, with annual growth averaging 30% between 2023 and 2024.
Photo credit: primeminister.kz
