German Consortium to Spearhead Lithium Development in Kazakhstan
In a significant move towards bolstering Kazakhstan's lithium industry, a consortium comprising German firms Knauf Gruppe, GP Gunter Papenburg AG, Roxtec, and the German Institute of Lithium (ITEL) has been established to develop and produce lithium from deposits within the country. This collaboration was announced by the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, signaling a new era of opportunities for the nation's lithium sector.
During a pivotal meeting in Germany, Kanat Sharlapayev, the Kazakh Minister of Industry and Construction, and Manfred Grundke of GP Gunter Papenburg AG's supervisory board, agreed to form a specialized working group. This group aims to explore the vast potential for lithium production and utilization, with plans to craft a roadmap to guide the implementation of their initiatives.
Further emphasizing Kazakhstan's commitment to advancing its lithium prospects, Erlan Galiyev, CEO of JSC National Geological Service, outlined plans at the EU-Kazakhstan partnership forum in Belgium to conduct geological surveys across three regions. These surveys aim to assess the country's lithium potential, particularly in the mineral-rich brines of the Aral sedimentary basin, likened to Chile's Salar de Atacama.
Kazakhstan has identified six deposits with significant lithium and rare earth metal reserves, spread across central, southern, and eastern regions of the country. These deposits represent a promising foundation for future exploration and development efforts.
The formation of this German-Kazakh consortium and the proactive steps taken by both parties underscore a mutual commitment to unlocking Kazakhstan's lithium potential.
