Kazakhstan tungsten project eyes 2028 production start
2026-08-11 12:04:11 [Print]
Kazakh company Esil-Mining is advancing plans to develop the Aksoran tungsten-molybdenum deposit using underground mining methods, with preparatory work slated to begin in 2027 and first production targeted for the following year, according to mining industry portal Qazba.
The mine is designed to process up to 1 million tonnes of ore annually. Tungsten is valued for its exceptional hardness and heat resistance, with applications spanning cutting tools, high-strength alloys, electronics, and defence and aerospace equipment. Aksoran's reserves are estimated at 13.9 million tonnes of ore, containing approximately 61,900 tonnes of tungsten trioxide, along with smaller quantities of molybdenum. The overall project is planned for a 16-year lifespan, including 13 years of commercial mining, with a processing plant scheduled for construction in 2027.
China dominates global tungsten supply, accounting for roughly 83% of mined output in 2023, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Aksoran is considerably smaller than Kazakhstan's most prominent internationally backed tungsten venture. U.S.-based Cove Kaz Capital Group, together with state mining company Tau-Ken Samruk, is developing the Northern Katpar and Upper Kairakty deposits in the Karaganda Region, which collectively contain a reported 1.4 million tonnes of tungsten trioxide. Cove holds a 70% stake in the joint venture, with Tau-Ken Samruk owning the remaining 30%. The project is intended in part to supply U.S. industrial and defence markets.
The mine is designed to process up to 1 million tonnes of ore annually. Tungsten is valued for its exceptional hardness and heat resistance, with applications spanning cutting tools, high-strength alloys, electronics, and defence and aerospace equipment. Aksoran's reserves are estimated at 13.9 million tonnes of ore, containing approximately 61,900 tonnes of tungsten trioxide, along with smaller quantities of molybdenum. The overall project is planned for a 16-year lifespan, including 13 years of commercial mining, with a processing plant scheduled for construction in 2027.
China dominates global tungsten supply, accounting for roughly 83% of mined output in 2023, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Aksoran is considerably smaller than Kazakhstan's most prominent internationally backed tungsten venture. U.S.-based Cove Kaz Capital Group, together with state mining company Tau-Ken Samruk, is developing the Northern Katpar and Upper Kairakty deposits in the Karaganda Region, which collectively contain a reported 1.4 million tonnes of tungsten trioxide. Cove holds a 70% stake in the joint venture, with Tau-Ken Samruk owning the remaining 30%. The project is intended in part to supply U.S. industrial and defence markets.
Ferro-molybdenum 60%min EXW China
Unit:RMB/mt
China molybdenum concentrate producers' output statistics by province by month
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