Kazakhstan moves toward exporting lithium battery components

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a key player in the global electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, with researchers developing the capacity to manufacture lithium-ion battery components from start to finish using local raw materials.

At Nazarbayev University in Astana, scientists have successfully launched a pilot production line to process critical battery minerals—including nickel, cobalt, manganese, and iron—into cathode materials ready for industrial use. Some of these technologies are now ready for commercialization.

According to Silk Way TV, the new developments were presented at the INESS-2025 international conference on electrochemical energy, held recently in the capital. The university also plans to scale up production and train a new generation of battery specialists to meet growing industry demand.

“Our team is now working with several private companies to bring these technologies to market,” said NU professor Zhumabay Bakenov. “We’ve started partnering with nickel producers, and with support from the Ministry of Industry and Construction, we plan to launch a large-scale pilot project. Our focus is on China and other close partners in Asia.”

The shift from exporting raw ore to supplying refined components could mark a turning point for Kazakhstan’s mining and tech sectors. With rising global demand for EVs and clean energy solutions, countries with mineral resources are under increasing pressure to move up the value chain—from extraction to processing and manufacturing.

By developing its own supply of battery-ready materials, Kazakhstan not only adds value to its vast mineral reserves but also strengthens its strategic relevance in the global push toward green technologies.