Key Minerals in Kazakhstan: Accelerating the Transition from "Resource Economy" — Deep-Processing Industry Becomes New Engine of Industrialization
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Xinhua News Agency — Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov of Kazakhstan stated at the 16th Astana Mining & Metallurgy 2026 Conference that Kazakhstan is accelerating its economic transformation from a traditional resource-export model toward a deep-processing and high-value-added industrial model, aiming to position the country as a major production hub for strategic minerals and high-value-added industrial products.
Bektenov pointed out that the goal of developing mining and metallurgy industries in Kazakhstan is not merely to expand resource extraction scale, but more importantly to establish a new development paradigm—ensuring that the country becomes not only a raw material supplier, but also a globally competitive producer of industrial goods.
He said that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for a gradual shift from an economy primarily based on raw material exports to one focused on deep processing and high-value production. Currently, Kazakhstan is implementing a series of large-scale projects aimed at promoting the development of deep-processing industries.
"Over the past two years, several major industrial projects with total investments exceeding $1 billion have been completed, including facilities for producing cathode copper, ferrosilicon, and ferroalloys," Bektenov said.
It is reported that a copper smelting plant project worth over $1.5 billion is currently underway in the Abai Region. Once completed, the facility will enable domestic processing of copper concentrates currently exported.
Meanwhile, a hydrometallurgical complex is being constructed in Pavlodar Region, designed to process up to 300,000 tons of gold-copper concentrate annually, with a maximum annual gold output of up to 15 tons.
In addition, Qarmet Company is advancing the modernization of metallurgical production in Karaganda Region, with plans to develop high-value-added products, including steel for automotive applications.
Bektenov emphasized that these are not just individual investment projects, but integral components of the nation’s new industrialization strategy.
He noted that, in accordance with President Tokayev’s directives, Kazakhstan is systematically advancing a new industrialization process centered on modern manufacturing, technological innovation, and the production of high-value-added goods. To this end, Kazakhstan is actively collaborating with large enterprises from countries and regions such as the United States, China, the European Union, Japan, and South Korea.
"Our goal is not only to attract capital, but also to establish long-term technical partnerships that promote industrial localization, technology transfer, and the cultivation of highly skilled talent. Such collaborative models will help build a complete and stable domestic industrial chain and further integrate Kazakhstan into the global industrial system," he said.
Bektenov stated that Kazakhstan will continue to strengthen its position as a reliable supplier of strategic raw materials, while simultaneously developing deep-processing industries, building centers for high-value-added product manufacturing, and becoming an important cooperative platform for major international projects in strategic critical minerals and modern technology sectors.
He noted that ongoing changes in the global economic landscape are creating new opportunities for nations worldwide. Kazakhstan will leverage this window of opportunity to accelerate industrialization, attract investment, introduce advanced technologies, and build a higher-level modern economic system.
"I believe Kazakhstan possesses all the necessary conditions to become one of the leading mining and metallurgy hubs in the Eurasian region and a trusted partner for international enterprises," Bektenov said at the conference.
It is understood that the Astana Mining & Metallurgy Conference is one of the most influential industry forums in Central Asia, bringing together government representatives, business leaders, and industry experts from around the world to discuss the future prospects of the mining and metallurgy sectors.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867743938808835/
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