Kazakhstan to open Central Asia’s first global-grade geology lab
GeoLab Eurasia to boost mineral certification, reduce foreign dependence, and strengthen Kazakhstan’s global position in critical resources
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan is setting up the first internationally certified geological laboratory in Central Asia, a move aimed at strengthening its role in the global supply chain for strategic minerals.
According to The Times of Central Asia, the facility—called GeoLab Eurasia—will be located in Almaty and offer full-cycle analysis of ore composition and quality, adhering to global standards including NI 43-101 (Canada), JORC (Australia), and ISO/IEC 17025. The lab will eliminate the need for foreign certification of mineral reserves and provide investors with greater confidence in Kazakhstan’s geological data.
The initiative is being led by a three-way partnership between the Satpayev Institute of Geological Sciences, Kazakhstan’s Kepler Group, and China-based Eurasia Mineral Standard, which is backing the project as a strategic investor. Founding agreements were signed in Almaty on July 23.
“We see GeoLab as more than a lab—it’s a platform for scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange,” said Askar Syzdykov, Director of the Satpayev Institute. “This marks a historic step toward uniting technology, science, and national development priorities.”
Sultan Kinzhekulov, Deputy Chairman of the Investment Committee under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the project is key to Kazakhstan asserting greater industrial and scientific sovereignty. “GeoLab Eurasia is not just an economic asset—it positions Kazakhstan as a credible player in global mineral supply chains,” he stated.
The project will consist of two components: a research and training center housed within the Geological Institute in Almaty, and an industrial complex outside the city equipped with sample preparation lines and storage for core samples. The lab is expected to be operational by October 2025, with the industrial wing scheduled for early 2026.
Once completed, GeoLab Eurasia will serve as a regional hub for mineral certification and geological research, advancing Kazakhstan’s ambitions to become a global leader in the extraction, processing, and responsible certification of critical mineral resources.
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