Kazakhstan’s Largest Rare Earth Deposit Discovered

April 5, 2025

Kazakhstan has made discovery in the field of rare earth metals. The Ministry of Industry and Construction announced the finding of the largest deposit to date at the Kuirektykol site in the Karaganda region. This site is located approximately 300 kilometres southeast of Astana. Estimates indicate that the deposit contains nearly one million tons of rare earth metals, essential for green energy technologies and modern electronics.

Location and Composition

The Kuirektykol site features promising areas, particularly Irgiz and Dos. These zones show rare earth element concentrations exceeding 0.1%, with some samples reaching up to 0.25%. Preliminary assessments suggest that the Irgiz area alone may contain around 800,000 tons of rare earth metals. The deposit includes valuable elements such as cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, and yttrium, with an average concentration of 700 grams per ton.

Global Context and Demand

The discovery comes at a time of increasing global demand for rare earth metals. These materials are crucial for technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defence systems. Countries like China, Russia, and the United States are heavily invested in securing these resources. Kazakhstan’s discovery positions it strategically within this competitive landscape.

Potential for Development

While Kazakhstan currently lacks the technology to fully exploit these deposits, the government is actively seeking foreign investment. Developing extraction and processing infrastructure is a priority. If the reserves are verified and developed, Kazakhstan could emerge as a leading global supplier of rare earth metals.

Strategic Importance

This discovery enhances Kazakhstan’s significance in global resource markets. It supports the country’s ambitions to become a major player in high-tech industries reliant on rare earth elements. The potential to increase the estimated resources at the Kuirektykol site to over 20 million tons could elevate Kazakhstan among the world’s top countries with rare earth deposits.

Regional and International Implications

The announcement coincides with the first EU-Central Asia summit, denoting the geopolitical interest in the resource-rich region. The EU, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, is particularly interested in sourcing rare metals from Kazakhstan. This interest could lead to increased collaboration and investment in the country’s resource sector.

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