AP27511149 – Geological and mineralogical studies of granitoids of Kazakhstan as sources of rare metals to replenish their resources
Objective of the project – The purpose of scientific research is to study granitoid igneous rocks of Kazakhstan as non-traditional sources of new types of mineral raw materials, including their accessory minerals bearing rare and scattered elements of industrial interest.
Relevance: The goal of the project is to study granitoid igneous rocks of Kazakhstan as non-traditional sources of rare metals and rare earth elements that are crucial for high-tech industries and economic development. Granitoids are widespread in regions such as the Balkhash area and the Shu-Ile ore belt, are associated with ore mineralization, and contain deposits of gold, copper, lead-zinc, and rare earth elements, yet remain insufficiently studied. Special attention is given to accessory minerals, which may serve as valuable industrial sources of rare earth elements. The relevance of the project is driven by the growing demand for rare and rare earth elements and the need to expand geological exploration through advanced approaches such as mineragenic modeling. The novelty lies in considering granitoids as unconventional sources of rare metals and developing improved methods for their identification and processing.
Scientific supervisor: Ph.D., Associate Professor, Kembayev Maxat
Expected and achieved results: The project plans to conduct geological and mineralogical studies of granitoid massifs in Kazakhstan as natural sources of rare and rare earth elements to strengthen the country’s mineral resource base. The scientific outcome includes obtaining new data on the formation and localization of rare metal minerals and developing innovative methods for assessing geological conditions and identifying promising areas for exploration. As a result, resource assessments will be carried out and recommendations for expanding the rare metal resource base will be developed. The project includes the publication of at least four articles in Web of Science and Scopus-indexed journals or equivalent high-impact alternatives, as well as publications in recognized national and international journals. The socio-economic effect includes attracting investment, increasing employment, and strengthening the production capacity of the mining sector. The results will be applicable for industrial development, with target users including subsoil users, investors, and relevant government bodies of Kazakhstan. The project also ensures environmentally sustainable resource use and dissemination of results through publications, monographs, technical documentation, and communication with the scientific community and society.
List of publications with links to them
- Джунусов М. А. Exploring rare earth elements in Northern Kazakhstan: The potential of ion-adsorption clays and coals as unconventional sources / М. А. Джунусов, M. Junussov, M. K. Kembayev, M. Kokkuzova, A. Baisalova, Z. T. Umarbekova, R. Abirov, S. E. Rais, A. Amantayev // Acta Geochemica. – 2025. – DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-025-00828-0. – ISSN 2365-7499.