President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a Security Council meeting on the development of critical minerals, including rare earth metals. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
The head of state noted that Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in resource and production potential and stressed the need to use this in the interests of the state.
"The current global situation is favorable and opens unique opportunities for countries rich in mineral resources," Tokayev said.
He also noted the intensifying competition among states for access to critical materials. This direction is of strategic importance for the development of high-tech industries.
In this regard, Kazakhstan should effectively use its available resources and industrial potential, consistently developing its capabilities and production chains.
During the meeting, government members reported on the current state of the industry, prospects for developing the resource base, processing development, and existing barriers.
Following the meeting, specific instructions were given to the government and relevant state bodies: to form a systematic approach to industry development, improve regulatory mechanisms, develop geological exploration and processing, involve technogenic mineral formations in economic circulation, strengthen laboratory facilities and personnel, and eliminate administrative barriers.