Kazakhstan’s Minister for Industry and Construction, Kanat Sharlapaev, has highlighted the country’s pivotal role as a supplier of critical raw materials to Europe, positioning Kazakhstan as a strategic partner for the continent’s green transition. Speaking with Euronews on The Big Question, Sharlapaev discussed the growing trend of “friendshoring”, where Europe shifts production to trusted geopolitical allies to secure a reliable supply of essential resources.
According to the Brookings Institution, China produced around 60% of the world’s rare earth elements as of 2023. The pandemic revealed the risks of dependency on single-region suppliers, and with the shift toward greener technologies, Europe’s need for critical minerals is only increasing. Kazakhstan, which has long supported Europe’s energy stabilityand is Germany’s fourth-largest energy trading partner, could be the solution for Europe to reduce its reliance on China.
Kazakhstan’s proximity to Europe also lowers shipping costs and emissions compared to sourcing from more distant suppliers in China or South America. The nation is rich in critical minerals, with 17 out of the 30 elements on the EU’s critical raw materials list available within its borders. It holds 20% of the aerospace-grade titanium market, 10% of manganese sulfate, 30% of global beryllium supply, and 17% of rhenium. Additionally, Kazakhstan ranks as the 11th largest copper producer globally.
Sharlapaev underscored Kazakhstan’s commitment to expanding local processing capabilities to retain more value within the country, fostering job creation and regional economic growth. He explained that Kazakhstan aims to move beyond raw exports by enhancing its value chain. With the mining sector contributing between 12% and 15% of Kazakhstan’s GDP, this strategic focus is expected to further bolster the economy.
Kazakhstan’s mining workforce is composed of 99% local talent, trained through its own educational institutions, setting it apart from the global trend of expatriate staffing in mining industries. “This strong human capital base enables companies to start operations more efficiently in Kazakhstan,” Sharlapaev noted, reinforcing the country’s appeal as a reliable partner in Europe’s pursuit of green energy goals.
