Nazarbayev relatives to mine gold near Semipalatinsk test site
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Altyn Group Qazaqstan, a company linked to relatives of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev, plans to develop the Ulken Karashoky gold deposit near the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. An environmental survey commissioned by the company found the deposit, with over 73 tonnes of gold reserves, poses no radiation hazard.
The Deposit and Survey
The Ulken Karashoky deposit holds over 73 tonnes of gold, according to the report by Ecoexpert, which conducted a comprehensive environmental and radiation survey in October 2025. The survey was ordered by Altyn Group Qazaqstan, a company whose beneficiaries include relatives of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev, as reported by Qazba. The study concluded that the deposit poses no radiation hazard, despite its location within the former Semipalatinsk test site, where over 450 nuclear tests were conducted during the Soviet era.
Regulatory and Public Concerns
The Semipalatinsk test site remains a sensitive area, with ongoing concerns about residual radiation and environmental safety. Local activists and some lawmakers have previously opposed mining activities near the site, citing health risks. The government has not yet issued a final decision on the project, which would require approval from multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Ecology.
What's Next
Altyn Group Qazaqstan is expected to submit a formal mining license application to the Kazakh government in the coming months. It remains unclear whether public opposition or regulatory hurdles will delay or block the project.
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Nazarbayev relatives to mine gold near Semipalatinsk test site
