The Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan intend to redefine their role within the CIS
countries and the Asian markets. A joint market based on the principles of
free trade is planned as a long-term aim. A major facet of this market is
the mineral resources potential. The production of mineral and energy
resources and their consumption at home and abroad have different meanings for
the national economies of the five CIS countries of Central Asia.
Kazakhstan is one of the leading countries with respect to several
mineral products. Second only to South Africa, it accounts for about 20 % of
world chromite production. Coal, uranium, crude oil, iron ore, bauxite, gold,
and non-ferrous metals are also important. Mineral resources and metals each
account for about 1/3 of Kazakhstan's total income from exports.
Uzbekistan is the second important mining country in the region,
accounting for 3.4 % of the i world's gold production (1995/1996); it is also
a major producer of uranium and natural gas. In
Kyrgyzstan, gold,
antimony, and mercury production are important. In
Tajikistan the
mining industry plays a subordinate role at present. The aluminum industry was
established on the basis of cheap hydroelectric power and imported aluminium
ore.
Turkmenistan natural gas and crude oil are the most important
natural resources.
The project of bringing the mining and minerals industries to market economy
standards has been started with German assistance.
This study by the BGR (German Geological Survey) documents the mineral
resources potential of these Central Asian countries. The data are intended to
present an overview of the different economies in the region and the
importance of mineral resources for them. The survey of mineral
resources of Kazakhstan was made in cooperation with the Ministry of Geology
and Protection of Natural Resources.