The Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have officially launched a $3 million joint initiative aimed at establishing sustainable, environmentally sound value chains for rare earth minerals and rare metals in Kazakhstan, the UN report says.
The tripartite project focuses on integrating advanced green technologies, building institutional capacity for environmental governance, and mitigating industrial pollution risks across the nation's extraction sectors.
Olzhas Alibekov, Deputy Chairperson of the Industry Committee at Kazakhstan's Ministry of Industry and Construction, highlighted that the project directly advances the national Comprehensive Plan to build high-value domestic processing industries.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan Yasumasa Iijima and UNDP Resident Representative Katarzyna Wawiernia emphasized that surging global demand for critical minerals must be matched with rigorous environmental monitoring, pollution prevention, and community protection.
The strategic alliance between Astana, Tokyo, and the UNDP underscores Kazakhstan’s pivotal position in ongoing efforts to diversify global critical mineral supply chains. Shifting from raw ore exports toward integrated domestic processing enhances Kazakhstan's industrial sovereignty while elevating its standing within international high-tech manufacturing chains.
Furthermore, Japan’s technology transfer guarantees sustainable extraction methods, positioning Kazakhstan as a climate-conscious and reliable supplier for the global energy transition.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
October 30, 2026