Kazakhstan Examines Rare Metals Extraction Potential in Afghanistan

Kazakhstan's Tau-Ken Samruk company is conducting laboratory tests on mineral samples from Afghanistan, focusing on rare metals, rare earth elements and base metals, Deputy Minister of Industry and Construction Iran Sharhan announced on the sidelines of the Central Asia Earth Sciences and Exploration Forum.

Sharhan, whose name was reported as Iran Shirkhan by Amu TV, said the tests are taking place in Tau-Ken Samruk laboratories and the Karaganda region. The examinations also include analysis of Afghanistan's legal frameworks and geological capacities. Both Afghanistan International and Amu TV reported the announcement, highlighting Afghanistan's significant potential in these minerals.

If the tests confirm commercial viability, further details will be released and extraction activities could begin soon, Sharhan said. Afghanistan International noted that the country's rich reserves have been hindered by long-term instability and poor infrastructure.

Amu TV reported that the tests also involve samples from Rwanda and cited Kazinform as saying large mining companies have invested 150 billion tenge in Kazakhstan's science and technology sector.

The announcements come amid growing interest in Afghanistan's untapped mineral wealth, which both outlets described as substantial in rare metals and rare earth elements essential for high-tech industries.