Condor Energies, a Canada-based energy transition company, has secured its second critical minerals mining license in Kazakhstan. The newly awarded Kolkuduk License, granted by the country’s mining ministry, spans 6,800 hectares and permits solid mineral exploration for six years.
The new license is strategically located near Condor’s existing 37,300-hectare Sayakbay critical minerals site. Both licenses sit in a geothermally active region with high potential for mineralized brines, offering a prime opportunity for lithium extraction. Their location between Europe and China provides direct access to key critical minerals markets.
Historical exploration in the Kolkuduk region identified brine deposits with lithium concentrations of up to 130 milligrams per liter, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Geology. Other critical minerals found in the region include rubidium, strontium, and cesium.
“Condor’s focus on developing critical minerals in Kazakhstan aligns with global efforts to establish secure and sustainable supply chains. Kazakhstan is among the key countries identified as strategic for these initiatives,” said Condor’s President and CEO, Don Streu.
The company’s growing critical minerals portfolio complements its existing energy operations, including natural gas production in Uzbekistan and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation fuel business in Kazakhstan. Streu emphasized that these projects will strengthen regional energy and mineral supply security while generating multiple revenue streams.
Further drilling and testing are required to validate historical lithium estimates and assess the site’s commercial viability.
Condor Energies, a TSX-listed company, is committed to energy security and sustainability in Central Asia. Its key initiatives include boosting natural gas production in Uzbekistan, developing Kazakhstan’s first LNG facility, and advancing critical minerals extraction from brines, all while minimizing environmental impact.