Kazakhstan and the EU Discussed the Opportunities of Developing the Critical Raw Materials Sector
A forum dedicated to the cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union in the development of rare earth and rare metal industries took place in Astana. The event was attended by Marat Karabayev, the Minister of Industry and Infrastructural Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. More than 150 representatives from governmental bodies and business communities, including those from Belgium, Germany, Romania, Finland, France, Sweden, and others, participated in the forum organized by the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development of Kazakhstan (MIID), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan (MFA), and JSC "National Company "KAZAKH INVEST."
The forum participants discussed the prospects of expanding trade and economic cooperation in the critical raw materials sector, as well as the opportunities for joint projects in extraction, processing, and utilization of rare earth and rare metals. Directions for further development and strengthening of partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union were outlined, including the exchange of experience and technologies.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Marat Karabayev, noted that today's forum was the result of joint efforts by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Commission to establish a partnership in the field of critical raw materials. He stated that Kazakhstan is ready to support the establishment of new production facilities based on Kazakh resources with the participation of European companies.
In turn, the Ambassador of the European Union to Kazakhstan, Kestutis Jankauskas, emphasized the importance of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union in the field of rare earth and rare metal industries. He noted that the European Union seeks to diversify sources of critical raw material supplies and develop its own production, including on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Ardak Zebeshev, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighted the role of the mining and metallurgical industry, which is the second-largest sector of the country's economy after the oil and gas sector. In concluding his speech, A. Zebeshev called on European companies to jointly implement investment projects in Kazakhstan, considering the country's high potential in the field of critical minerals.
During the second session of the forum, representatives from leading European companies, including Sandvik, Verde Magnesium, Serfrigo Service Kazakhstan LLP, and DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH, presented their activities and discussed possible plans for expanding cooperation with Kazakh companies.
At the next session, representatives from Kazakhstan's governmental bodies and business communities showcased Kazakhstan's potential in the mining and metallurgical sector. Yerlan Akbarov, the Chairman of the Committee of Geology at the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development of Kazakhstan, discussed the deposits of rare earth and rare metals in Kazakhstan. Nariman Absametov, the Director of Business Development of JSC "National Mining Company "Tau-Ken Samruk," provided detailed information on projects related to the development of tungsten deposits such as "Severny Katpar" and "Verkhnee Kayrakty." Armanbek Omirgali, the Director of the Department of Scientific and Technical Projects at JSC "National Atomic Company "Kazatomprom," presented the potential of the national company in the production of rare earth and rare metals.
Azamat Kozhanov, the Managing Director of the national company KAZAKH INVEST, emphasized the importance of the rare and rare-earth metals industry for the global community and highlighted the active efforts of the industry ministry in working with potential investors.
"There is currently an intensification of international competition for access to critical resources. Our task is to improve geological exploration in the field of rare earth and rare metals with the ultimate goal of becoming an important player in the market. We invite European companies to implement investment projects in the territory of Kazakhstan, including projects for the production of finished products," concluded A. Kozhanov.
The forum also discussed issues related to ensuring sustainable development and environmental responsibility in the field of critical mineral development and extraction. Participants expressed a shared interest in the application of advanced technologies and innovations to reduce negative impacts on the environment and ensure the sustainability of production processes.
The forum concluded with bilateral meetings, during which the parties expressed their readiness for further collaboration and mutual exchange of knowledge and experience to develop this field.
