Kanysh Imantayuly Satbayev

Legend of Kazakh Science

A proud son of the Kazakh people, is one of the most outstanding figures of the 20th century — a renowned scientist, academician, and an influential public and state figure.

He was not only the founder of scientific research in Kazakhstan, but also made an immense contribution to the exploration of natural resources, the training of engineering personnel, and the development of science and education.

Kanysh Imantayuly Satbayev

Legend of Kazakh Science

A proud son of the Kazakh people, is one of the most outstanding figures of the 20th century — a renowned scientist, academician, and an influential public and state figure.

He was not only the founder of scientific research in Kazakhstan, but also made an immense contribution to the exploration of natural resources, the training of engineering personnel, and the development of science and education.

Under his leadership, the first comprehensive geological map of Kazakhstan’s mineral resources — unparalleled in global geological practice — was developed

Being first in everything was a natural trait of academician Satbayev. He was the: first professional engineer-geologist among Kazakhs, first Doctor of Science, first academician of the USSR Academy of Sciences from Kazakhstan, founder and first President of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR, first laureate of both the Lenin and State Prizes of the USSR. The academician’s scientific heritage includes around 800 publications. Under his editorial guidance, more than 30 scientific collections were published by the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR. As a scientist, Satbayev not only discovered major mineral deposits in Kazakhstan, but also laid the foundation for their industrial extraction and processing, playing a key role in transforming Kazakhstan into one of the USSR’s major industrial regions.


Under his leadership, the first comprehensive geological map of Kazakhstan’s mineral resources — unparalleled in global geological practice — was developed

Being first in everything was a natural trait of academician Satbayev. He was the: first professional engineer-geologist among Kazakhs, first Doctor of Science, first academician of the USSR Academy of Sciences from Kazakhstan, founder and first President of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR, first laureate of both the Lenin and State Prizes of the USSR. The academician’s scientific heritage includes around 800 publications. Under his editorial guidance, more than 30 scientific collections were published by the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR. As a scientist, Satbayev not only discovered major mineral deposits in Kazakhstan, but also laid the foundation for their industrial extraction and processing, playing a key role in transforming Kazakhstan into one of the USSR’s major industrial regions.

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His name is immortalized in a city, a university, a mining and metallurgical plant, memorial museums, institutes, schools, and streets across the country. Monuments in his honor stand in many cities of Kazakhstan.

His name is immortalized in a city, a university, a mining and metallurgical plant, memorial museums, institutes, schools, and streets across the country. Monuments in his honor stand in many cities of Kazakhstan.

In the photo:

  • Satpayev Memorial Museum in Almaty: Reconstructed workplace, personal belongings, geological map and documents.

  • Monument in Almaty. Installed in honor of the 100th anniversary of the scientist, the image is presented against the background of Satpayev University.

  • Monument in Karaganda: a bronze sculpture of Satpayev with a geological map in his hand.

  • Monument in Atyrau.
Kanysh Satbayev’s main research focus was the copper deposits of the Zhezkazgan region. He scientifically proved that Zhezkazgan held one of the largest copper reserves in the world. In studying the deposits, it was essential to determine their mineralogical and chemical composition — a task in which analytical and organic chemistry methods played a key role. Metallurgy, being an applied branch of chemistry, involves chemical processes such as ore extraction, purification, and smelting. As a pioneer of this field, Satbayev emphasized the practical application of chemistry and the importance of deep scientific understanding.
Kanysh Satbayev’s main research focus was the copper deposits of the Zhezkazgan region. He scientifically proved that Zhezkazgan held one of the largest copper reserves in the world. In studying the deposits, it was essential to determine their mineralogical and chemical composition — a task in which analytical and organic chemistry methods played a key role. Metallurgy, being an applied branch of chemistry, involves chemical processes such as ore extraction, purification, and smelting. As a pioneer of this field, Satbayev emphasized the practical application of chemistry and the importance of deep scientific understanding.
Kanysh Satbayev and Chemistry: A Scientist at the Crossroads of Disciplines

Using chemical research, Satbayev calculated the quantitative content of elements in ores and assessed their industrial significance. Under his direct supervision, the Zhezkazgan copper mine was developed — a milestone that gave a powerful impetus to the growth of Kazakhstan’s metallurgical industry.

Dzhezkazgan copper deposit
Kanysh Satbayev
and Chemistry: A Scientist at the Crossroads of Disciplines
Using chemical research, Satbayev calculated the quantitative content of elements in ores and assessed their industrial significance. Under his direct supervision, the Zhezkazgan copper mine was developed — a milestone that gave a powerful impetus to the growth of Kazakhstan’s metallurgical industry.

Dzhezkazgan copper deposit

As the first President of the Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, Satbayev played a crucial role in the development of chemical science and education

At his initiative, chemistry research institutes were founded, and for the first time in the country, systematic training of chemistry professionals began. He also placed special emphasis on attracting young scientists to chemistry and natural sciences. In his scientific and industrial projects, chemistry played a strategic role, especially in: chemical analysis of ore composition, research into water and soil content, optimization of metal processing, ensuring environmental safety. These contributions show how crucial chemistry is to real-world applications.


As the first President of the Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, Satbayev played a crucial role in the development of chemical science and education

At his initiative, chemistry research institutes were founded, and for the first time in the country, systematic training of chemistry professionals began. He also placed special emphasis on attracting young scientists to chemistry and natural sciences. In his scientific and industrial projects, chemistry played a strategic role, especially in: chemical analysis of ore composition, research into water and soil content, optimization of metal processing, ensuring environmental safety. These contributions show how crucial chemistry is to real-world applications.

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Kanysh Satbayev’s scientific legacy goes far beyond geology. His deep understanding of chemistry and the natural sciences as an interconnected system made him a truly interdisciplinary scientist.
He saw science as a holistic ecosystem, and demonstrated through real achievements how disciplines interlink and support each other. His life’s work is a powerful example for today’s youth, showing that science is complex, interconnected, and practical — and that curiosity and knowledge across fields can lead to great progress.
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