Reverse Supply Chain Optimization in Kazakhstan’s Mining Industry: Unlocking Value from Waste
Li M. Maffei A. Mukhanova G. Kuldeyev E. Amralinova B. Tymbayeva Z.
December 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Sustainability (Switzerland)
2025#17Issue 23
Kazakhstan’s mining sector, a vital pillar of the national economy, generates significant volumes of waste. This waste has been found to hold considerable residual value, presenting a substantial opportunity for resource recovery and economic benefit. To unlock this value, establishing efficient reverse logistics operations is fundamental, as it enables the recovery, recycling, and reuse of materials in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. This paper introduces a conceptual optimization framework tailored to Kazakhstan’s mining industry to explore the feasibility of reverse supply chain processes. The implementation of strategies informed by this model can improve resource utilization, reduce environmental impact, and deliver long-term economic benefits. The study also identifies potential challenges to adoption and suggests pathways for further refinement of the model to adapt to the evolving needs of Kazakhstan’s mining sector. The model provides a robust analytical foundation to support discussions on developing a holistic strategy for waste management in the sector. It offers key insights into optimizing waste handling, advancing material recovery technologies, and promoting collaboration between public and private stakeholders. By aligning these insights with the regulatory and economic landscape of Kazakhstan, the model serves as a reference point to shape a broader national framework. The outcomes of this study contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 and 12 by promoting industrial innovation, resource efficiency, and responsible production practices within Kazakhstan’s mining sector.
optimization , recycling , reverse supply chain , sustainability , waste management
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
Department of Transport Engineering and Logistics, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Department of Production Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Stockholm, 114 28, Sweden
Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Institute of Project Management, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Department of Transport Engineering and Logistics
Department of Production Engineering
Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering
Institute of Project Management
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026