Current Status of Kazakhstan’s Metal Mining Industry

Kazakhstan boasts extremely rich proven and registered metal mineral resources. Its mining and metallurgical complex accounts for approximately 13% of the country’s GDP and over one-third of its export revenue. In particular, its non-ferrous and precious metals hold significant weight globally, as detailed below:

• Uranium: As the world’s largest producer, Kazakhstan accounts for about 40% of global production, with uranium mine output reaching approximately 26,000 tons in 2025. The sector is monopolized by Kazatomprom (the National Atomic Company), which utilizes low-cost in-situ leaching (ISL) mining technology, making uranium the country’s core strategic metal.
• Chromium: With reserves of about 328 million tons and mine production of approximately 4 million tons in 2025, Kazakhstan ranks as the world’s second-largest resource holder for chromium.
• Tungsten: The country holds a balanced tungsten reserve of about 1.22 million tons, ranking second globally. Production in 2025 was approximately 5,008 tons.
• Copper: Ranking as the world’s second-largest resource holder, copper is a major export commodity. There are nearly 130 copper deposits with reserves of about 20 million tons, including an additional 74,400 tons identified in 2025. In 2025, the production of electrolytic copper was about 470,000 tons, and copper concentrate reached 450,000 tons. Major mines include Aktogay and Bosshakol. A copper smelter in Aktogay has boosted cathode copper capacity to 300,000 tons/year, placing it among the top ten global refined copper producers. The leading enterprise is Kazakhmys.
• Iron: Proven iron ore reserves stand at approximately 2.67 billion tons, with 2025 production reaching about 50 million tons. Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) is the core producer of ferroalloys.
• Gold: Geological gold reserves are approximately 2,300 tons (about 3.5% of the global total). Gold deposits are widely distributed with stable output and high foreign investment participation (e.g., Zijin Mining). In 2025, refined gold production was about 71 tons, while unprocessed/semi-processed gold output was approximately 127 tons.
• Silver: Geological silver reserves are about 450,000 tons. By the end of 2025, processed silver amounted to roughly 628 tons, with unprocessed/semi-processed silver output at about 638 tons.
• Lead: With reserves ranging from 3.76 to 14.8 million tons, lead is an advantageous mineral for the country. Refined lead production in 2025 was approximately 190,000 tons.
• Zinc: Zinc reserves range from 7.4 to 10.72 million tons. Refined zinc production in 2025 was about 260,000 tons, making it another advantageous mineral species.
• Aluminum: Bauxite reserves are approximately 400 million tons, ranking high globally. In 2025, primary aluminum capacity was about 260,000 tons, with alumina production at roughly 1.9 million tons.
• Cobalt: Cobalt reserves are approximately 250,000 tons, representing one of the key minerals the country is prioritizing.
• Rare Earths, Lithium, Vanadium, Beryllium, and other critical/rare metals: While resource potential is huge, there are obvious shortcomings in exploration and separation/processing capabilities. Currently, 124 rare/rare earth deposits have been identified, making this a key focus area for recent policy efforts.