Zauresh Atakhanova
Associate professor
Nazarbayev University
Graduated from the PhD program Mineral Economics, Colorado School of Mines, USA.
Held teaching and research positions at KIMEP and Nazarbayev University.
Research topics: economics and public policy in the field of energy and mineral resources; sustainable development.
Analysis of water resources use in the mining industry of Kazakhstan.
We applied the ICMM water accounting framework and assessed water consumption at one of Kazakhstan’s new copper mines. We estimate that the operation of this mine has increased freshwater withdrawals by 1.5% in Kazakhstan’s mining industries.
Given that the number of mining companies has increased by 50% over the past decade, we can conclude that the cumulative impact of mining on Kazakhstan’s water resources has been significant.
Future growth in mining could place even greater stress on Kazakhstan’s water resources.
Rapidly increasing water use and the risks associated with climate change and water sharing with neighboring countries therefore call for urgent strengthening of Kazakhstan’s water management.
