Kazakhstan Has Enough Coal Reserves for More Than 300 Years

Kazakhstan ranks 10th in the world in coal reserves, with total deposits estimated at 33.6 billion tons. At current production rates, these reserves will last for more than 300 years, Orda.kz reports.

Energy Minister Erlan Akkenzhenov announced the figures at a government meeting.

The country’s main coal deposits are concentrated in two areas. In central Kazakhstan, these include the Karaganda and Turgay basins, as well as the Shubarkol and Zhalyn deposits. In the northeast, the key sites are the Ekibastuz and Maikuben basins and the Karazhyra deposit.

The industry is showing production growth, ensuring a stable supply to the domestic market and increasing exports. Most of the coal produced is supplied to the domestic market and used in the power sector, as well as in municipal services and industry. Coal exports have also remained stable. At the end of 2025, coal production reached about 115.9 million tons, which is 7% more than in 2024.Akkenzhenov said. 

Kazakh coal is exported to Russia, Poland, Uzbekistan, Turkey, India and Malaysia. In 2026, coal production is expected to increase to 128.9 million tons.

Original author: Ilya Astakhov

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