Kazakhstan’s investment potential in critical minerals at the forefront of Kanat Sharlapaev visit to Washington, D.C.
Kanat Sharlapaev, Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met with captains of American industry to explore the investment potential in critical minerals as part of his packed visit to Washington, D.C., Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
Exploring Kazakhstan’s investment potential in critical minerals and opportunities in geological exploration was the highlight of the talks between the Kazakh delegation and members of the U.S.-Kazakhstan Business Council (USKZBC). The sides also touched upon the projects in renewable energy sources (RES) and environmental protection.
Minister Sharlapaev told Kazinform correspondent that the American partners are very clear about their priorities and it is obviously the energy sector. According to him, these days the focus is shifting towards cooperation in critical materials.
Sharlapaev said: “The American government has identified 50 critical materials and 19 of them are already produced in Kazakhstan. We have a very good cooperation now in the metallurgy industry with some of very big American companies. We supply some very critical metals to the American market from the companies that produce them in Kazakhstan.”
When asked about the goal of his upcoming visit to Canada, the minister revealed his plans to attend a big mining industry conference.
“PDAC is one of the biggest mining conferences in the world where all the major companies that operate in mining industry will be present. Back in December 2023 we already saw a lot of interest from the Canadian mining companies. For example, Teck Resources, the largest Canadian mining company which is already doing geological exploration in Kazakhstan. So, our job is to expand that cooperation and bring more Canadian companies [to Kazakhstan],” Sharlapaev added.
While in Washington, D.C., Minister Sharlapaev also had a fruitful discussion with Nisha Biswal, Deputy CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), paying utmost attention to prospects of strengthening trade and economic relations.
He wrapped up his packed program in Washington, D.С. with a meeting with Director of the U.S. Geological Survey David Applegate. The sides discussed how Kazakhstan can use the USGS advanced technologies and practices in order to increase efficiency of its geological research and exploration.