Kazakhstan expands rare earth search with US investment collaboration

Kazakhstan's national mining company Tau-Ken Samruk, in collaboration with US-based investment firm Cove Capital, will conduct geological exploration at the Akbulak site in the Kostanay region during the current field season, the press service of Samruk-Kazyna JSC told Russian media.

“The cooperation between Samruk-Kazyna JSC and the American investment company Cove Capital is part of a strategic partnership aimed at developing promising sectors,” the press service said. “The fund’s subsidiaries, particularly the national mining company Tau-Ken Samruk, are engaged in the implementation of key projects. One such area is the search for and exploration of rare earth metal deposits, which hold significant importance for the global economy.”

Under the agreement, the two companies plan to jointly conduct geological exploration work at the Akbulak site. According to preliminary data, the location has considerable geological potential. More detailed findings will be made public after the research stage is completed.

“At this stage, the main focus is on comprehensive preparatory work,” Samruk-Kazyna noted. “This includes analysing existing geological data, evaluating the site's infrastructure potential, and completing organisational and legal procedures. These preparatory measures form the basis for the success of the upcoming fieldwork. Geological exploration at the site is scheduled to start during the current field season.”

The initiative is part of Kazakhstan’s broader efforts to strengthen its rare and rare-earth metals industry.

Earlier, the Kazakh government reported that specialists are conducting geological exploration across 25 sites covering a combined 100,000 square kilometers this year. In 2024 alone, 38 promising solid mineral deposits were identified throughout the country.

Kazakhstan currently produces a wide range of valuable metals, including beryllium, tantalum, niobium, scandium, titanium, rhenium, and osmium, and also extracts bismuth, antimony, selenium, and tellurium.

Additionally, the country has developed technologies for extracting gallium and indium.

By Tamilla Hasanova