Critical mineral resources: the case of Kazakhstan under the global competition shift

This study presents the authors’ perspective on Kazakhstan’s position during the shift in global competition from hydrocarbon extraction to the race for critical mineral resources in the context of the global energy transition. Describing the response of Kazakhstan’s mining industry to this challenge, the authors offer developing countries a theoretical and practical framework for formulating a new strategy aimed at minimizing environmental impact and finding new ways to create the necessary conditions for the functioning of the rare earth metals industry. This strategy takes into account not only the prerequisites but also the restraining factors for its development against the backdrop of a changing geoeconomic landscape. The study demonstrates that the growing importance of critical minerals to the global economy, coupled with limited access to them for many countries, could shift Kazakhstan’s position. There is an opportunity not only to conduct responsible exploration, extraction, and processing of critical minerals and to establish a full technological cycle to meet domestic demand, but also for the country to carve out a niche as a global player in the high-tech industry. Kazakhstan could integrate into international technological supply chains, thereby strengthening its strategic autonomy and enhancing its perception by the international community as a key region supplying critical minerals to the global market. In a context where geopolitical factors, including regional conflicts, are increasing the importance of transcontinental routes and strategic raw materials, the authors’ proposals may be useful for countries with transitional economies in developing plans to diversify sources of critical mineral supplies. A promising area for future research is the study of the role of junior mining companies as new players in the resource extraction sector, as well as expanding their involvement in critical mineral supply chains to strengthen Kazakhstan’s strategic position within the new energy paradigm.