Mining & Processing Push: Kazakhstan used the Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress to pitch critical minerals as the base for a higher-value industry, with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov stressing downstream processing, technology and long-term investment. U.S. Moves to Action: A U.S. Commerce official told delegates the U.S. is shifting from talks to execution on critical minerals in Central Asia, with a large business delegation in Kazakhstan. New Deals in Astana: Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia signed an AMM MOU to cooperate on rare earths and the mining value chain, while the congress also highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing role as a mining innovation hub. Water Security: Kazakhstan and France are developing a master plan to preserve Lake Balkhash as climate pressures mount. Fire Safety: Kazakhstan unveiled a prototype high-mobility firefighting vehicle for large forest fires, built from lessons of the 2023 Abai wildfire. Trade & Food: Kazakhstan exported 12.2m tonnes of grain and flour (Sep 2025–Mar 2026), up 13%, with big gains to Central Asia and Afghanistan. Education Quality: Kazakhstan recorded 700+ comments and errors in school textbooks and teaching materials, including factual and illustration issues. Sports (Regional): Kazakhstan beat Lebanon 3-0 in the AVC Women’s Cup, keeping its semifinal hopes alive.