Zhetisu gold reserves reach 571 tonnes, but mining stalled since 2023
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Zhetisu region holds 571.5 tonnes of gold reserves, but only 9.9 tonnes are in studied categories A+B+C1, according to the Geology Committee. Industrial mining has not occurred since 2023, with 2025 production data expected after September 1, 2026. The region's gold map is expanding to 18 deposits in 2026, yet most reserves remain in category C2 requiring further exploration.
Key Facts
- Zhetisu region's gold reserves total 571.5 tonnes, of which 9.9 tonnes are in categories A+B+C1 and 561.5 tonnes in category C2, according to the Geology Committee.
- No gold was mined in Zhetisu in 2023 and 2024, and 2025 production data will be released after September 1, 2026.
- As of January 1, 2025, 17 gold deposits were registered in Zhetisu, with two in operation and six undergoing additional exploration.
- In 2026, the Geology Committee lists 18 gold deposits in Zhetisu: three in industrial operation, five under geological exploration, and ten as reserve objects.
- The most promising areas for gold mineralization are Kerbulak, Koksu, and Aksu districts, according to the Geology Committee.
Reserve Classification
The 571.5 tonnes of gold in Zhetisu are largely unproven, with only 9.9 tonnes in categories A+B+C1 and 561.5 tonnes in category C2, according to the Geology Committee. Category C2 reserves require further geological study before they can be considered economically viable for industrial extraction. Transforming these geological reserves into production will require confirmation of volume and quality, determination of extraction technology, economic assessment, and infrastructure development. The gap between geological documentation and actual gold production could span several years.
Mining Status
No gold mining occurred in Zhetisu in 2023 and 2024, according to the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan. Data on 2025 gold production will be available after September 1, 2026, and 2026 data after September 1, 2027, per Order No. 393 of the acting Minister for Investment and Development dated May 25, 2018. As of January 1, 2025, 17 gold deposits were on state records, with Sholkyzyl and Dalabai in operation and six others—Sholkyzyl West, Koksai, Dalabai West, Betbastau, East Katutau, and Maika—undergoing additional exploration. By 2026, the Geology Committee reports 18 gold deposits: three in industrial operation, five under geological exploration, and ten as reserve objects. A major gold mining development project worth 63 billion tenge is planned, according to Tinfo.kz.
Exploration Geography
The Geology Committee identifies Kerbulak, Koksu, and Aksu districts as the most promising for gold mineralization. The gold map of Zhetisu has expanded in recent years, with deposits moving to more advanced stages of development. Actual mining output remains significantly below the declared resource potential.
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Zhetisu gold reserves reach 571 tonnes, but mining stalled since 2023
