Leuven, 17 April 2026 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium Roman Vassilenko visited the Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals of KU Leuven (SIM²), where he held a meeting with its Director, Professor Peter Tom Jones, and got acquainted with the activities of the SOLVOMET Research & Innovation Centre.

The parties discussed prospects for developing cooperation in the fields of critical raw materials, sustainable metallurgy, circular economy, and resource processing. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between Kazakhstan and the European Union on a Strategic Partnership in Sustainable Raw Materials, Batteries and Renewable Hydrogen, signed in 2022, as well as the corresponding Roadmap for 2025-2026.

The Ambassador noted that Kazakhstan plays a key role in ensuring global resource security, producing 21 out of the 34 critical raw materials identified by the European Union. It was emphasized that the country possesses more than 9,000 deposits of 103 types of mineral resources and already supplies copper, chromium, titanium, phosphorus, beryllium, tantalum, and manganese to the European market.

In this regard, special attention was given to the EU Critical Raw Materials Value Chains Facility (CRM Facility), implemented with the support of the European Commission. It was noted that Kazakhstan’s participation in this initiative will open additional opportunities for attracting investment, introducing advanced processing technologies, and integrating into global supply chains, including cooperation with European industry.

Vassilenko emphasized the importance of introducing modern raw material processing technologies, including the extraction of rare elements, as well as the recycling of mining and metallurgical waste and tailings. The Kazakh side also expressed interest in attracting advanced European technologies and expertise, including developments from KU Leuven and the SOLVOMET Centre.

During the visit, the Ambassador was introduced to the research infrastructure of SIM² and SOLVOMET, including hydrometallurgy laboratories, solvent extraction facilities, and pilot-scale metal processing units. It was noted that the centre’s activities are aimed at developing closed-loop production cycles and reducing the carbon footprint of industry.

The parties also discussed the joint participation of Kazakh and European research organizations in EU programmes, including Horizon Europe.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in strengthening scientific, technological, and industrial cooperation, including the implementation of joint research projects, technology transfer, and capacity building.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-brussels/press/news/details/1203655?lang=kk