Tungsten mining at the Aksoran deposit, located across the North Kazakhstan and Akmola regions, is planned to begin in 2028, Qazinform News Agency reports. According to an environmental impact report on the mining plan revision, the mine's lifespan on approved reserves is expected to be 16 years.
The total area of the mineral plot allocated for development is 4,499 square kilometers. "The overall mine capacity is set at 1,000,000 tons per year, with a gradual decline afterward. The mine's lifespan on reserves accepted for design is 16 years, of which 13 years are at full capacity (1,000,000 tons per year) from the start of production," the document says.
Ore mining is planned to begin in 2028. A processing plant to handle the extracted ore is also scheduled to be completed by the same year. Capital development and preparation will be carried out for one year before extraction. Once extraction begins, both types of work will continue in parallel with mine operations.
"At Aksoran, the capital and preparatory work will take one year (2027) before mining starts. Thereafter, both types of work will continue alongside extraction. Preparatory work includes driving through the ore body with ore extraction. Mining begins in 2028," the report said.
The deposit will be developed using the underground technique. The Aksoran deposit is located across the North Kazakhstan and Akmola regions. Part of the deposit lies within the protected zone of the Kokshetau State National Natural Park. Esil-Mining LLP was granted a license for solid mineral extraction in 2020.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that Kazakhstan and South Korea are expanding their strategic partnership in critical minerals, with plans to launch a joint research center dedicated to rare and rare earth metals.