Janatas

Janatas is a mono-industrial town located in the Sarysu region of the Jambyl district in southern Kazakhstan. The name "Janatas," derived from the Kazakh words for "new stone," reflects the discovery of phosphorite deposits in the Karatau Mountains during the 1960s. Established in 1964 as a small-scale mining settlement with just 20 to 25 households, the town rapidly expanded and was officially granted city status on June 25, 1969. Its population and infrastructure grew significantly during the Soviet era, peaking in the late 20th century.

Initially, Janatas was developed under challenging conditions. The first residential and industrial buildings were constructed by individuals serving suspended prison sentences, as a prison was the only institution in the region at the time. Later, large-scale development was supported by house-building plants from Alma-Ata and Shymkent, which helped establish most of the city's districts. During the Soviet period, Janatas became a hub of industrial activity, hosting major enterprises such as the Kok-Jon, Gimmelfarbskoe, and Kok-Su mining sites. Other facilities included an industrial zone (locally referred to as promploshchadka), a maintenance plant, boiler stations, a training center, a bakery, regional power stations, and a hospital. These establishments were primarily linked to the phosphate industry and operated under the umbrella of the state-run mining company Karatau. By 1989, the town's population had grown from 11,480 in 1970 to an impressive 53,401.

Today, Janatas has a population of approximately 22,364 (as of 2019). Although the city has faced economic challenges in the post-Soviet period, it remains an industrial center. Two major enterprises—Eurochem LLP and Kazphosphate LLP—continue to operate in the area. In addition, since 2021, a wind power project led by China Power International Holding Limited has begun functioning, symbolizing a shift towards renewable energy and a diversification of the local economy.