InfoHub Logo

Concerns are mounting over gold mining operations in the East Kazakhstan region, where allegations of illegal activities and questionable dealings have surfaced. Recent events highlight a pattern of companies, some with alleged connections to the former political establishment, obtaining access to valuable mineral resources.

Controversies in Gold Extraction

The region has seen a surge in disputes related to gold extraction. Earlier this year, TОО «SOK Gold» faced scrutiny for conducting unauthorized gold exploration. In the autumn, authorities halted illegal gold mining in the Ulan district, arresting a top manager from «EastGoldStone» LLP for causing an estimated 300 million tenge in damages.

"GOK Manka" and Alleged Official Support

Another company drawing local attention is «GOK Manka,» which is also involved in gold exploration and production in the region. Reports suggest that during the tenure of former governor Daniyal Akhmetov, the company benefited from support from the regional administration. A notable decision in December 2022 saw the territory of the «South Altai» state nature reserve in the Kurshim district reduced by 1,354 hectares, a move approved by the government led by Smilov.

Licensing and Tax Discrepancies

Established in 2020, «GOK Manka» LLP, directed by Babi Alexander Anatolyevich, has paid approximately 47 million tenge in taxes. This figure appears surprisingly low given the company holds 24 licenses, encompassing exploration, production, and environmental permits. One of the two legal cases involving the company was a dispute with «TiRex» LLP, a supplier of specialized equipment.

The company's primary activity is the extraction of precious metals. Its office is located in the village of Markakol, at 1 Momyshuly Street. Interestingly, the building also houses «Terekty» KMK and «GRK Manka» LLP.

Unraveling Ownership: "Altyn Tau Ltd" and International Ties

The founder of «GOK Manka» LLP is «Altyn Tau Ltd,» a private company registered at 12/1 Konyayev Street in Astana. This entity is managed by Koshаnov B.M. Since 2021, «Altyn Tau Ltd» has contributed a mere 3,349,803.54 tenge to the budget, with outstanding tax debts also noted.

In turn, «Altyn Tau Ltd» is owned by the prominent Turkish conglomerate «Yildirim International Investment Holding B.V.» This holding is controlled by the Yildirim family in Turkey and is a major player in sectors including metallurgy, mining, port management, coal and coke production, fertilizers, chemicals, energy, and maritime transport.

Yildirim Holding's Presence in Kazakhstan

Within Kazakhstan, the Yildirim Holding operates several projects, including the mining company «Vostok-Oriel,» «EastKazAlloys,» «Qazaq Soda,» and «New Star.» All these companies are registered at the «Amanat» party building located at 12/1 Konyayev Street in Astana.

Robert Yuksel Yildirim, a close associate of former Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC) oligarch Alexander Mashkevich, frequently visited Kazakhstan and Russia. However, his trips ceased after the conflict in Ukraine began. He is recognized as one of Turkey's wealthiest individuals, owning the yacht «Sarastar,» valued at over 50 million US dollars.

Connections to the "Old Kazakhstan" Elite

Sources indicate that Robert Yuksel Yildirim holds significant influence among the elite of the "Old Kazakhstan." Prior to the January 2022 events, he was actively engaged in business in Kazakhstan and met with Nursultan Nazarbayev on multiple occasions. Yildirim also held meetings with the former leadership of the «Samruk-Kazyna» fund to discuss potential acquisitions of mining fields and enterprises in Kazakhstan.

Mixed Results from Holding's Projects

While the holding's «Vostok-Oriel» (Aktobe region) and «Qazaq Soda» (Jambyl region) projects are ongoing, «Vostok-Oriel» has faced challenges. The company has been subject to investigations for reducing chromium production and violating environmental laws, encountered funding issues, and owes a substantial debt to the EBRD. Residents of the Aktobe region have yet to see the promised social responsibility from the Turkish investors.

In the Jambyl region, the construction of a calcined soda plant, initiated in 2021, has faced continuous delays, with its commissioning date repeatedly postponed.

A Familiar Pattern in Resource Allocation

The situation appears to reflect a familiar model in Kazakhstan: resource fields are often granted to companies with established connections, trusted by, and historically supported by figures from the era of the former president. Despite the involvement of a prominent international investor, the tangible results in terms of technological advancement, efficiency, and public accountability remain notably lacking. The scope of interests, currently focused on gold and chrome, raises questions about future resource exploitation.

Бұл туралы Infohub.kz ақпарат агенттігі хабарлайды.