The paper discusses the issues related to modern environmental problems that have arisen in connection with the activities of the mining and metallurgical industry enterprises of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The authors emphasize that due to the industrial progress of the mining and metallurgical industry, which is one of the main sectors of the republic’s economy, the level of environmental pollution is increasing. The contributing authors prove by examples that, on the one hand, the growth of the economic potential of the mining and metallurgical industry and the transition to market mechanisms for the development of the economy have generated a large increase in the potential of the republic as a major exporter and leader among the world’s raw material powers. On the other hand, the increase in industrial production led to a real threat of an environmental crisis in the republic. We conclude that it is possible to solve the environmental problems by improving measures to protect atmospheric air and increasing the efficiency of water resources use and protection. In addition, according to the authors, reduction in the chemical load on the soil, strengthening of the work on protection, reproduction and rational use of the plant and animal world, the introduction of treatment facilities and plants, especially in places of mining, will create a favorable environment for a significant improvement in environmental situation in theregion.

This article discusses development of the coal industry in Kazakhstan after the 1990s and environmental problems caused by the coal industry. Along with industrial development, an increase in coal production, the level of environmental pollution is increasing. The authors say that transition to the market economy increased the economic potential of the republic, including coal companies, and caused an environmental crisis. The problem can be solved by maximizing the economically viable use of all types of waste and resources of the developed coal fields. These activities will solve geo-ecological problems, improve the environment through the greening of economic activities focusing on the needs of future generations. The methodological basis of the research is scientific objectivity which made it possible to analyze the subject taking into account economic changes in the industry.

This article discusses issues related to the environmental problems in various sectors of the Central Kazakhstan’s economy at the present stage. It is emphasized that the level of environmental pollution is increasing along with industrial progress in coal, non-ferrous and ferrous metallurgy, chemistry, engineering, and the growth of the transport highways network and numerous communications. The authors of the article give examples of how the transition to market mechanisms of economic development generated, on the one hand, the growth of the republic’s powerful economic potential. On the other hand, the increase in industrial production with energy and resource-intensive production has led to a real threat of an environmental crisis in the region. It is concluded that the solution of the environmental problem is possible by preserving and restoring natural systems, a complete social transition to sustainable development by practical implementation of the environmental concept, including natural-resource, techno-economic, demographic and sociocultural aspects. According to the authors, these measures will contribute to the way out of the current environmental crisis, a radical improvement of the environment, will be the key to preserving the ecology of space. The methodological basis of the study was the principle of scientific objectivity, which allowed to analyze the subject under study taking into account the realities of economic changes in the industry.

This article examines the environmental problems of the oil and gas sector in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The authors emphasize that for many decades the oil fields of Kazakhstan have developed mainly a raw material management system with extremely high technogenic loads on the environment. It is noted that for Kazakstani economy, oil and gas production and especially their export play a key role in generating income and growth within the gross product. At the same time, the authors point out that the impact of the oil and gas field on the environment in recent years has been characterized by its intensity, diversity and significant scale. The issue of developing new hydrocarbon raw materials deposits is considered, which is accompanied by geological exploration, drilling and construction works, laying of pipelines and roads. The authors come to the conclusion that a strong anthropogenic impact on all components of the environment causes an active change in the chemical and physicochemical properties of the soil, disrupts the hydrological regime of territories, leads to impoverishment and changes in the species composition, structure and productivity of phytocenoses, a reduction in the spatial distribution and number of animal populations. In conclusion, the authors put forward a number of fundamental tasks for solving environmental problems of the industry.

This article discusses issues related to optimizing the state of East Kazakhstan environment. It is emphasized that along with the industrial progress observed in recent years in the East Kazakhstan region in such sectors of the economy as machinery and metal working, heat and power, woodworking, timber, light and food industries, production of building materials, the level of environmental pollution has increased. The article gives examples of how the activities of the enterprises of metallurgical industry, heat power engineering and motor transport cause a real threat of the environmental crisis in the region. It is concluded that the solution of the environmental problem is possible through comprehensive measures, including the issues of increasing the efficiency of use and protection of water resources, reducing the chemical load on the soil, creating infrastructure for waste processing, improving the health and quality of life of the residents of the region. These measures together can contribute to overcoming the current environmental crisis of the East Kazakhstan region and radically improving the environment as well become the key to optimizing the region’s environment. The methodological basis of the study is the principle of scientific objectivity, which allows analyzing the subject under study taking into account the realities of economic changes in theregion.