ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 7. The executive power (akimat) of the East Kazakhstan region should actively attract investors into the development of lithium metal deposits, said Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov during a meeting on issues of further socio-economic development of the region, Trend reports.
As he noted, the mining and metallurgical complex accounts for about 70 percent of the region's total industry.
"As President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted in his speech on September 1, the republic will have to modernize the management system of the mining sector as soon as possible. One of the priority tasks should be the development of deposits of rare and rare earth metals," he said.
Smailov noted that in the context of the growing production of electric vehicles, exploration and production of lithium metal are relevant.
"The state balance of the East Kazakhstan region includes six deposits in the Ulan and Shemonaikha districts and the outskirts of Ust-Kamenogorsk. There are even more undiscovered reserves. Nearby are Chinese and other Asian markets, which are among its main consumers. To use these opportunities, the akimat must actively attract investors in field development," he added.
In addition, he noted that the region has developed hydropower, which is one of the renewable energy sources. At the same time, from July 1, 2023, the maximum auction prices for the purchase of electricity from hydroelectric power plants were significantly increased.
According to the PM, to increase maneuverable power in the energy system, it is necessary to take measures to modernize existing hydroelectric power plants, as well as the construction of new facilities.