Kazakhstan discovers world's largest rare earth deposit

Historic Discovery of Rare Earths in Kazakhstan

The government of Kazakhstan announced on April 2, 2025, a historic discovery of a rare earth deposit of impressive dimensions, located in the Karaganda region, about 300 km from the capital, Astana. If confirmed, the deposit could be the largest in the world in terms of precious mineral reserves, with great potential for various global industries.

What are Rare Earths and Why Are They So Important?

Rare earths are a set of 17 chemical elements essential for the manufacturing of various technological products. These metals include cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, and yttrium, found in the new deposit discovered in Kazakhstan, but others such as gadolinium, dysprosium, and praseodymium are also present. They are crucial in the production of powerful magnets, batteries, wind turbines, and electronic devices, playing a key role in the sustainable energy transition.

The Potential of the Karaganda Deposit

The Karaganda rare earth deposit was identified at a depth of approximately 300 meters. Initial estimates suggest that the region could contain over 20 million tons of materials with significant value for industry. With the confirmation of these data, Kazakhstan could become a global reference in the supply of these strategic minerals, attracting interest from countries and companies around the world.

Economic and Geopolitical Impact

The discovery not only promises to boost Kazakhstan's economy but could also alter the geopolitical balance of global mining. The growing demand for rare earths, especially for their application in green technologies, positions countries like Kazakhstan in a prominent role. Brazil, China, India, and Russia are other countries with large reserves, but the new deposit in Kazakhstan could make the country stand out even more in this vital market.

Next Steps and Prospects

Although the Kazakh government has not yet revealed details about the exploration process, it is expected that the country will begin negotiations with nations and companies worldwide to explore the deposit's potential in a sustainable manner. International cooperation, especially with countries in Asia and the European Union, will be crucial to ensure the proper exploration and responsible use of these resources.