The relevance of the study is dictated by the growing role of the fuel and energy complex of developing countries in the decarbonization of the economy. The article discusses the digital transformation of mining enterprises in Kazakhstan, taking into account the transition to CRIRSCO international standards and growing competition in the global mineral market. The purpose of the study is to assess the current level of digitalization of the mining industry in Kazakhstan and to deepen the methodological apparatus of the geological and economic assessment of the enterprise based on the factual base of deposits. The role of the transformation of the mining sector in achieving the sustainability of the poorly diversified economy of Kazakhstan is shown. The importance of digitalization of the industry to complete the transition to CRIRSCO international standards and improve the assessment of the digital provision of enterprises in order to optimize their financial and economic policies is argued. It has been established that, at present, most of the enterprises in the investment-attractive mining sector have a low potential for the transition to a new technological paradigm. A methodological approach to the geological and economic assessment of these enterprises has been developed. To maintain high standards of management transparency through the digitalization of key business processes, along with well-known practices of economic analysis, the IDEF1 methodology was used. In order to expand the software ecosystem, the formats of electronic geological and economic databases are integrated into the digital infrastructure of the enterprise. It is substantiated that the introduction of high technologies in the mining industry requires institutional changes and coordinated interaction between the state, business, and universities as equal partners.

To strengthen its international position, Kazakhstan is updating the transition to economic decarbonization within the framework of the adopted long-term low-carbon development strategy. This article examines the current problems of decarbonization of the mining and metallurgical industry, which is one of the largest atmospheric pollutants. General scientific methods were used, including the descriptive method, methods of retrospective and cause-and-effect analysis, generalization and structuring of initial statistical data presented in the open press. It has been established that in the current situation of economic and political challenges, the growth of investments in renewable energy sources is focused not so much on achieving environmental indicators, but rather reflects the desireof countries importing energy raw materials to increase their energy security. It is substantiated that the development of ESG principles is becoming a primary factor ensuring the competitiveness of enterprises and the priority of internal production goals of sustainable development. The study analyzes the prospects for using the best available techniques in the low-carbon development strategy of industrial enterprises. The authors conclude that achieving carbon neutrality will require the state to adopt a systematic approach to coal mining as the main source of energy generation. It is shown that institutional measures that stimulate the decarbonization of the mining and metallurgical sector of Kazakhstan in the medium and long term will increase energy efficiency and accelerate the transition of industrial enterprises to renewable energy. The example of Kazakhstan can be useful for countries expanding the presence of mining and metallurgical enterprises in the international market by mastering various decarbonization mechanisms, disclosing information on sustainable development and taking into account ESG risks.

This study presents the authors’ perspective on Kazakhstan’s position during the shift in global competition from hydrocarbon extraction to the race for critical mineral resources in the context of the global energy transition. Describing the response of Kazakhstan’s mining industry to this challenge, the authors offer developing countries a theoretical and practical framework for formulating a new strategy aimed at minimizing environmental impact and finding new ways to create the necessary conditions for the functioning of the rare earth metals industry. This strategy takes into account not only the prerequisites but also the restraining factors for its development against the backdrop of a changing geoeconomic landscape. The study demonstrates that the growing importance of critical minerals to the global economy, coupled with limited access to them for many countries, could shift Kazakhstan’s position. There is an opportunity not only to conduct responsible exploration, extraction, and processing of critical minerals and to establish a full technological cycle to meet domestic demand, but also for the country to carve out a niche as a global player in the high-tech industry. Kazakhstan could integrate into international technological supply chains, thereby strengthening its strategic autonomy and enhancing its perception by the international community as a key region supplying critical minerals to the global market. In a context where geopolitical factors, including regional conflicts, are increasing the importance of transcontinental routes and strategic raw materials, the authors’ proposals may be useful for countries with transitional economies in developing plans to diversify sources of critical mineral supplies. A promising area for future research is the study of the role of junior mining companies as new players in the resource extraction sector, as well as expanding their involvement in critical mineral supply chains to strengthen Kazakhstan’s strategic position within the new energy paradigm.

The primary objective of this study is to identify fracture systems based on drilling data and underground mining operations collected during engineering-geological surveys in the North Karasu deposit area.

The purpose of this study is to assess the investment attractiveness of Kazakhstan’s largest industrial region in the context of intensifying competition for global investment and digital transformation. The paper shows that the investment attractiveness of Kazakhstan, which possesses large proven reserves of mineral resources, is largely based on systemic transformations in the strategically important extractive sector. To evaluate the significance of factors affecting the investment attractiveness of the Karaganda region, along with well-known practices of economic analysis, the results of a SWOT analysis were synthesized and a TOWS matrix of strategic initiatives was developed, identifying strategic priorities for regional investment growth. It is established that, in the medium term, the Karaganda region needs to redirect investment toward processing and energy infrastructure, the development of mining and metallurgical technologies, environmental standards, and long-term productivity. It is substantiated that the structural transformation of the national and regional economy will accelerate Kazakhstan’s integration into global value chains through the processing of rare earth metals. The results of the study can be used to develop strategies for enhancing investment attractiveness in accordance with regional potential and sectoral characteristics. The authors hope that this research will be useful for developing resource-based countries interested in achieving a synergistic effect from foreign direct investment.