Kazakhstan has rich areas of mineral deposits. Coal, petroleum, and some natural gas are exploited. Iron ore, copper, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc, bauxite, gold, and other minerals are also mined. An iron and steel industry and the smelting of metallic ores are important activities. The chemical fertilizer industry is also important.
Electric power is supplied by hydroelectric plants on the Irtysh, as well as by coal-burning plants.
For such a large territory the transportation network is sparse. Another line from Alma-Ata joins Central Asia with the industrial area of western Siberia. A line links the port of Gur'yev on the Caspian Sea with the Ural region. The densest railroad network is in northern Kazakhstan and is used to transport grain. The highway system is not well developed, and most freight moves by rail.