Researchers in Kazakhstan are turning to the private sector to support an ambitious program focused on processing rare and rare-earth metals - a strategic priority for the country’s industrial future.

The initiative, presented at Nazarbayev University, is expected to require around 10 billion tenge, though experts say the actual cost could be significantly higher, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

INMET Director General Zhumabay Bakenov said that the project is still under discussion, but participants already acknowledge that state funding alone may not be enough.

“We estimate about 10 billion tenge for the full program, but many believe this won’t be sufficient. That’s why we plan to involve businesses in co-financing,” he said.

The proposed program includes several key phases:

Building a scientifically grounded resource base

Developing and optimizing extraction technologies

Producing high-purity compounds

Advancing materials science capabilities

Rare and rare-earth metals are essential for modern technologies, from electronics to renewable energy systems. By investing in domestic processing capabilities, Kazakhstan aims to strengthen its position in the global supply chain.