Kazakhstan’s Coal Reserves Expected to Support Production for More Than 300 Years
Kazakhstan’s coal reserves, estimated at 33.6 billion tons, are expected to sustain production for more than three centuries as the country increases output, expands export supplies, and strengthens investment activity in the sector.
According to the press service of the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan on May 18, coal production increased by 7% in 2025, reaching 115 million tons. The growth was supported by stable domestic demand and expanding export opportunities.
Of the total production volume, 85 million tons were supplied to the domestic market and municipal utilities, while exports amounted to 30 million tons. Kazakhstan exports coal to a number of international markets, including India, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan.
The government plans to further increase coal production to 128.9 million tons this year. At present, 40 subsoil users are engaged in coal mining operations across the country.
The ministry is also intensifying geological exploration and measures aimed at attracting additional investment into the industry. Investment under contract work programs totaled 305 billion tenge (US$648.4 million) in 2025 and is projected to increase to approximately 553 billion tenge (US$1.2 billion) this year.
As part of efforts to stimulate sector development and expand resource potential, Kazakhstan plans to auction subsoil use rights for 10 coal-bearing blocks later this year.
Photo credit: gov.kz
