Zhetysu Tungsten Embarks on Tungsten Mining at Bugytinskoye Deposit in Kazakhstan
The Zhetysu Wolfram, with partial ownership by China's Jiaxing International Resources Investment, is set to commence tungsten ore mining operations at the Bugytinskoye deposit in the Almaty region, as announced by the Ministry of Industry and Construction. The venture underscores the growing influence of Chinese investments in Kazakhstan's mining and renewable energy sectors.
Currently, Zhetysu Tungsten is in the process of constructing an enrichment plant at the site, with construction, installation, and mining activities well underway. The plant, expected to be operational by the end of 2024, is anticipated to generate 1,000 job opportunities, marking a significant boost to the local economy.
Upon the completion of the plant, the company aims to mine and process 3.3 million tonnes of tungsten ore from the Bugytinskoye deposit, targeting the production of 65% tungsten concentrate. Plans for future expansion include the establishment of a deep processing complex designed to produce ammonium paravolphramate and high purity tungsten carbide from the concentrate. A feasibility study for this ambitious project is currently in the works.
The ministry revealed that the Bugytinskoye deposit is secured under a 25-year mining contract initiated in 2015, highlighting the long-term commitment to tungsten mining in the region.
The ownership structure of Zhetysu Wolfram, as detailed on eGov.kz, includes Aral-Kegen and Ever Trillion International Singapore, with Jiaxing International Resources Investment and Liu Lichian listed as the proprietors of Aral-Kegen.
