Kazakhstan is consistently increasing geological exploration, viewing its subsoil wealth as a key resource for long-term economic and technological development. Fifty-four new deposits were registered with the state between 2024 and 2025, bringing the total number of registered deposits in the country to nearly 10,000, Forbes.kz reported.
Geological exploration has increased resources of gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, chromium, iron and phosphate ores, as well as oil and gas. However, particular attention is currently being paid to rare and rare earth metals, which are becoming strategically important for the production of electronics, batteries, energy, and high-tech equipment.
Explorations have identified 935,400 tons of probable rare earth metal resources. The Kuirektykol site in the Karaganda region is considered one of the most promising.
The scale of the work demonstrates Kazakhstan's strong interest in developing the geological sector. In 2026, 20 detailed geological survey projects began, covering an area of approximately 100,000 square kilometers. The surveys are aimed at exploring for gold, copper, polymetals, lithium, tungsten, molybdenum, and rare earth metals.
For Kazakhstan, this is no longer simply an expansion of its raw material base. The country is seeking to leverage the current global demand for critical minerals to attract investment and technology. The key objective is to transition from the export of raw materials to their advanced processing within the country.
This approach is capable of transforming subsoil wealth into a sustainable source of industrial growth, new production, and economic diversification for Kazakhstan.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 2, 2026