While India is scouting for critical minerals in faraway Latin America for powering its EVs, the solution may lie closer home in New Delhi’s extended neighbourhood. Central Asia’s biggest and richest state Kazakhstan besides oil and uranium possesses big reserves of critical minerals that could boost India’s clean energy goals.
The prospects, challenges and the current state of critical minerals and mining sectors in Kazakhstan were discussed at the 14th Astana Mining and Metallurgy (AMM) congress in Astana on June 6.
Opening the plenary session, Kazakh Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapaev highlighted Kazakhstan’s substantial role in both the production and market share of critical minerals.
“Kazakhstan having competency in producing critical raw materials, has a solid base as a reliable supplier in the global supply chain. For instance, one of the world’s three beryllium and scandium productions as well as one of four tantalum full-cycle production facilities is located in Kazakhstan. 25% of global beryllium is produced in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan occupies one third of the world market on complex metals. Domestic titanium accounts for more than 20% of the aerospace market,” said Sharlapaev.
“We all know that we are the leading country in terms of uranium production, accounting for more than 40% of global supplies. In terms of copper, aluminum, zinc and lead, we are also one of the leading producers, and with the implementation of projects that belong to Kazakhmys, KAZ Minerals, our mining companies, we look with confidence at the development of the mining industry,” he added.
Sharlapaev emphasized that Kazakhstan is not only a deposit place, but a producer. With its extensive history of mining, Kazakhstan has cultivated a highly skilled human capital.
“What matters here is human capital. There are more than 200,000 people working in the mining sector. When foreign companies visit our deposits, they ask where are your expats? We don’t have expats. Kazakh citizens fill these roles at international mining companies. We have developed substantial expertise in the mining sector,” said Sharlapaev.
According to the United States Geological Survey, it is the world’s leading producer of uranium (with 40% of global production), the second largest producer of chromite (13%) and the fifth largest producer of cadmium (5.9%). It is also reported to have abundant rhenium, zinc and manganese mines. With India gaining management rights of Chabahar Port, transportation of critical minerals from Kazakhstan to India may have a smooth transport corridor.
