Analysis on the decision making process for the lithium development and policy implementation in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Lithium is one of the strategic materials that can influence the sustainable development of the economy in the world. Currently, lithium-ion batteries are leading the market among all available battery technologies. They are widely used in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles. Kazakhstan has large reserves of rare earth metals and associated lithium, mainly concentrated in Eastern Kazakhstan. According to the US Geological Survey, at the beginning of 2013, the confirmed lithium reserves in the bowels of foreign countries show that even according to preliminary data of proven reserves, Kazakhstan is among the 10 world leaders. The previously conducted analysis of the proven reserves of rare earth metals, including lithium-containing metals in Kazakhstan, indicates the prospects and expediency of their development for the production of the constantly growing needs of the world market in lithium materials. Lithium production in the country is at the level of conversations, theoretical research, and single experimental developments. The Government must actively attract investments and conduct geological exploration to evaluate new deposits. This study uses an analytical hierarchical process methodology to estimate and rank the factors for the lithium industry development in Kazakhstan. The methodology framework covers several major steps to answer the research question. The research starts by conducting an extensive literature review of the related studies and then identifying the main influential factors for lithium development. The four main relevant criteria are: economic, technical, regulatory, and environmental. Some experts from the government and non-governmental sectors took part in the survey. The results indicate that decision-makers from both sectors prioritize the economic criterion as the most important, followed by the technical criterion. Moreover, the regulatory and environmental criteria were ranked lower in importance. The present study also aligns with the National Plan "100 Steps" in emphasizing economic and technical aspects as the energy sector's development priority areas. By implementing policy implications, Kazakhstan can leverage FDI to accelerate the development of its lithium sector, enhance its global competitiveness, and establish itself as a key player in the lithium value chain.