Astana: Kazakh geologists have identified a significant rare earth metal deposit, estimated to contain over 20 million metric tons of resources at depths of up to 300 meters. The country’s Ministry of Industry and Construction announced the discovery on Wednesday.
If verified, this deposit would position Kazakhstan among the world’s top holders of rare earth metals, trailing only China and Brazil in terms of reserves. Currently, Kazakhstan is not listed among rare earth-producing nations in the U.S. Geological Survey’s rankings.
The newly discovered site, named Zhana Kazakhstan, is located approximately 420 kilometers (261 miles) from the capital. According to the ministry’s statement on Telegram, the deposit contains valuable elements such as neodymium, cerium, lanthanum, and yttrium, with an average rare earth metal content of 700 grams per ton.
Details regarding potential developers or a timeline for extraction have not yet been disclosed.
