Kazakhstan's mineral sector is set to witness a significant boost as the Ministry of Industry and Construction announces a high-stakes auction of 50 mineral deposits slated for June 2025. The auction, conducted entirely online, will offer a diverse portfolio of deposits, including gold, rare metals, polymetallic ores, and coal, all boasting confirmed balance reserves.

According to Almas Kushumov, Director of the Department of Subsoil Use, the digital-first approach via the Unified Subsoil Use Platform (minerals.e-qazyna.kz) aims to enhance transparency and accessibility for both domestic and international bidders. "We will auction off deposits with confirmed balance reserves, and all participants will be able to submit their documents online," stated Kushumov, highlighting the country's commitment to modernizing its mining sector and attracting diverse global investment.

This upcoming auction builds upon the success of the Code on Subsoil and Subsoil Use, implemented in 2018, which has already spurred a threefold increase in private capital investment within Kazakhstan's mining industry. The established regulatory framework has fostered a more transparent and inviting environment for mining companies seeking to tap into the nation's rich mineral resources.

The 50 deposits on offer include strategically important minerals such as rare earth elements (REEs), which are pivotal for high-tech manufacturing, Renewable Energy systems, Electric Vehicles, and advanced defense technologies. With global demand for REEs projected to surge by 300% by 2040 due to the global push towards green energy, these deposits hold immense strategic value. Gold reserves, a traditional strength of Kazakhstan's mineral sector, will also feature prominently, attracting investors seeking both investment security and industrial applications. Furthermore, polymetallic deposits containing valuable combinations of copper, zinc, lead, and silver present versatile resource development opportunities.

Licenses offered will include both exploration and production permits. Production licenses will be valid for 25 years, providing long-term operational stability. Exploration licenses will enable companies to conduct detailed geological investigations using modern technologies before committing to full-scale production, addressing the fact that many deposits haven't been thoroughly assessed in decades.

International interest in Kazakhstan's mineral resources is already strong, with companies from the United States, the European Union, and China actively preparing applications.

With over 9,000 registered deposits nationwide, including 987 classified as solid mineral sites, Kazakhstan possesses a truly exceptional mineral endowment. The upcoming auction of 50 strategically important deposits positions the nation to become an increasingly significant player in the global critical minerals market, offering a vital opportunity to diversify global supply chains and capitalize on its vast, underexplored mineral wealth. The development of key deposits like the Kuirektykol rare earth deposit could potentially place Kazakhstan among the top global producers, further solidifying its role in the evolving landscape of global mineral resources.