Key directions for the development and digitalization of the mining and metallurgical complex of the country have been announced at the meeting of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, chaired by Olzhas Bektenov, the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister underscored that the government intends to progressively increase financing for geological exploration and develop high value-added projects.
The Head of the Cabinet of Ministers dwelt specifically on the issues of occupational health and safety, modernization of existing production facilities, introduction of new technologies and issues of staffing of the industry.
Nariman Absametov, the Chief Executive Officer of JSC NMC Tau-Ken Samruk, took part in the discussion. He spoke about the company’s strategic priorities and progress on current projects.
Today, Tau-Ken Samruk manages the state shares in Kazzinc LLP, Qazgeolody JSC, and Tau-Ken Altyn LLP. The company’s structure includes 32 subsidiaries and dependent organizations. The assets are estimated at KZT900 billion.
The National Mining Company is concentrated on three strategic directions:
– Replenishment of the country’s gold and foreign exchange reserves;
– Development of the mineral resource base;
– Launch and support of projects on rare and rare earth metals.
Geological Exploration
Tau-Ken Samruk is implementing 21 joint exploration projects, including in cooperation with international companies. KZT72 billion has been invested in exploration. Eight deposits of gold, copper, manganese and iron have been recongnized on the state balance sheet.
Currently, geological exploration is actively underway at two promising sites – Zhossabai and Karatas, by efforts of the subsidiary – Qazgeology. Analytical support is provided by ALS Kazgeochemistry. By the way, this laboratory is the first in Kazakhstan to receive international accreditation. In 2024, ALS Kazgeochemistry processed more than 500 000 geological samples, which is almost 43% more than a year earlier.
Nariman Absametov also detailed the company’s plans and prospects for rare and rare earth metals in his speech at the Government meeting.
In particular, we are talking about a joint project with Cove Capital in Kostanai region and a tungsten project in Karaganda region.
“The successful implementation of pilot projects on rare metals in close cooperation with the government will permit to scale the accumulated experience to other deposits,” Nariman Absametov emphasized.
Processing
The flagship Tau-Ken Altyn refining plant is one of the reference points in developing the domestic refining industry. All gold produced here complies with the LBMA (Good Delivery) international standard and is supplied to the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the moment, the company is working to expand the raw materials and commodity basket.