As the United States seeks to diversify its critical-mineral supply chains, a massive tungsten development in Kazakhstan is moving closer to becoming a significant source of the strategically important metal.
Cove Kaz Capital Group is combining with Skyline Builders Group, with the combined company expected to operate as Kaz Resources Inc. and continue trading on Nasdaq under the ticker KAZR. Paul Mann, Executive Chairman of Skyline Builders, is helping lead the company’s strategic transformation toward critical minerals and nuclear fuels, with a focus on supplying U.S. and allied markets.
At the center of the strategy is the Severniy Katpar tungsten project, one of the world’s largest undeveloped tungsten resources. The project contains approximately 1.4 million tons of tungsten trioxide, with a projected 50-plus-year mine life. Planned annual production is expected to equal roughly 15% of current global tungsten production.
Tungsten is used in applications ranging from defense and aerospace to industrial manufacturing and energy technologies. Its strategic importance has increased as the United States works to strengthen domestic and allied supply chains for critical minerals. China currently controls roughly 80% of global tungsten supply, while the United States has not produced tungsten domestically since 2015.
New U.S. Department of Defense sourcing restrictions scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, are adding urgency to efforts to establish alternative sources of supply.
A Strategic U.S.-Kazakhstan Partnership
The Severniy Katpar project also comes at a time of growing cooperation between the United States and Kazakhstan on critical minerals. U.S. government agencies have expressed significant interest in supporting the project’s development, including indicative financing interest of up to $900 million from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and up to $700 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
The project has also received engagement from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Administration.
Site preparation began in 2026, with drilling and feasibility work underway as the project advances toward its planned development and construction timeline.
The Kaz Resources leadership team includes executives with experience in developing strategic-mineral projects, including experience building USA Rare Earth and developing the Nui Phao tungsten operation in Vietnam.
For Mann, the project represents an opportunity to address a growing challenge facing the United States and its allies: securing reliable access to minerals essential to modern industry and national security.