Majilis: Calls Made for Investigation into Kazakhmys Over Alleged Hidden Exports of Rare Earth Metals

Kazakhstan may be losing billions of tenge due to shadow exports of rare earth metals, according to concerns raised by Majilis deputies, Orda.kz reports.

Deputy Azat Peruashev has formally requested Antikor and the Ministry of Industry to investigate possible violations in the export of ores and concentrates containing rare earth and precious metals.

Peruashev cited statements from Bakyt Adilova, a former laboratory assistant at Kazakhmys Corporation, who alleged that the company exports copper concentrate and ore without conducting chemical analysis, thereby concealing the actual content of valuable elements.

She claims this practice allows for the artificial undervaluation of exported raw materials, causing significant economic losses for Kazakhstan.

Another geology expert supported these concerns, arguing that the lack of laboratory controls has enabled mining companies to export raw materials for decades without accounting for rare earth metal content.

It is impossible to even estimate the damage to Kazakhstan from the uncontrolled export of these resources, the cost of which rises every year, Peruashev stated in his official request.

The Aq Jol faction has outlined several key demands:

• Confirm or refute the allegations regarding the lack of mandatory chemical analysis before export
• If the claims are false, pursue legal action for the dissemination of misinformation
• If the claims are valid, launch an anti-corruption investigation, hold those responsible accountable, and recover damages
• Strengthen customs controls over mineral exports and introduce mandatory laboratory composition analysis
• Implement the president’s directive to legalize the extraction and processing of rare earth metals

Orda.kz has previously reported on the lack of transparency in Kazakhstan's oil distribution. According to oil traders and experts, the market is corrupt, with the Ministry of Energy favoring select companies for exports while others are forced to sell oil domestically at reduced prices.

This has created an environment where securing profitable contracts often requires unofficial payments to officials.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov