Executive Summary
MINEX Kazakhstan
2025 Forum
MINEX Kazakhstan 2025 
Becomes a Major Catalyst 
for Investment and Growth 
in the Mining Sector of Kazakhstan and Central Asia 
”The 15th anniversary MINEX Kazakhstan 2025 Mining and Exploration Forum was held on 9–10 April 2025 in Astana, under the overarching theme: "A New Era in the Development of Kazakhstan’s Mineral Resources: From Exploration to Processing." The Forum was one of the key events for the mining industry in Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region.
Facts and Figures:
MINEX Kazakhstan brought together over 100 leading speakers, more than 500 delegates, and 40+ exhibitors from 30 countries, including Central Asia, Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia.
The exhibition attracted 1,000+ industry professionals and representatives of mining & junior exploration companies from Kazakhstan, neighbouring Central Asian states, and beyond.
The participation of global industry leaders highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing importance as a major player in the international supply chain of critical raw materials. Amidst rising interest from foreign investors in Kazakhstan’s natural resources, the 2025 MINEX Forum served as a crucial platform for securing new investment agreements.
Attendees had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with investment projects and recent regulatory updates, including reforms in subsoil use and taxation. The Forum also showcased cutting-edge, AI-driven technologies and geological data platforms.
Key Forum Themes:
Sustainable Development and ESG:
Decarbonisation, waste management, and water efficiency in mining.
Technological Innovation and Digitalisation:
Artificial intelligence, robotics, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
Investment and Exploration:
Promising sites and reforms to attract foreign direct investment.
Cross-Border Cooperation:
Enhancing regional integration with neighbouring Central Asian countries.
DigiTech’25
As part of the Forum, the DigiTech’25 Conference was held, spotlighting advanced technologies in exploration, processing, and automation—further underlining Kazakhstan’s commitment to the digital transformation of its mining sector.
1st Kazakhstan Mining Chamber Awards
The Forum served as a hub for forging new business connections and partnerships that support the ongoing development of the country’s mining industry. A highlight of the event was the inaugural Kazakhstan Mining Chamber Awards, recognising achievements in sustainability and innovation by both domestic and international companies.
Organisers’ Remarks:
Since its inception in 2010, MINEX Kazakhstan has established itself as a leading platform for dialogue between government representatives, subsoil users, service companies, technology providers, and international investors.
”"The MINEX Kazakhstan Forum has long been a key event in the mining sector, and 2025 has proven particularly significant. Emerging opportunities for international cooperation and investment are contributing to the industry’s sustainable growth," commented the MINEX Forum Secretariat.
Executive Summary of the Forum sessions
MINEX Kazakhstan 2025 programme incorporated 21 sessions and panel discussions featuring over 120 speaker presentations.
AGENDA
HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1 (9 April)
Keynotes & Strategy Session 1
Investment Climate in Kazakhstan’s Mining Sector. Removing roadblocks
The Forum opened with addresses from high-level officials including the EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, followed by discussions on proposed changes to the Tax Code, the transition to a royalty system, and government incentives to attract foreign investment. Speakers included representatives from GRATA International, McKinsey & Company, The Republican Association of Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises, Kazakhstan Chamber of Mines, and Ernst & Young Advisory, examining legislative reforms aimed at improving the investment climate.
Strategy Session 2
State priorities, plans and projects aimed at Growth & Diversification
The session discussed Kazakhstan’s positioning in the global mining market in the context of changing trade policies and growing demand for critical metals. Representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan provided information on the National Subsoil Use Platform of Kazakhstan. Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Geological Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Tau-Ken Samruk NMC JSC and PONEN also participated.
Strategy Session 3
Foreign partnership opportunities – a global perspective
Diplomatic representatives from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Finland, France, the United States, and Germany participated in a discussion. The focus was on collaborative efforts with Kazakhstan in developing critical raw materials to mitigate climate change impacts and facilitate the energy transition.
Strategy Session 4
The Present and the Future of Geological Exploration in Kazakhstan:
New Technologies and Incentives
This session addressed resource depletion issues and new technologies for geological exploration. Speakers from S&P Global, First Quantum Minerals, Sarytogan Graphite, Scythian Mining Group, East Star Resources, and Arras Minerals discussed global mining trends, Kazakhstan’s exploration potential, and specific projects such as the Bozshakol-Chingis Magmatic Arc.
Sustainability Session 1
Aligning mining industry operations with Kazakhstan’s new Environment, Water Polices and best ESG practices
Focusing on Kazakhstan’s new Water Code and environmental regulations, this session examined the challenges mining companies faced in meeting stricter ecological standards. Presentations from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, SLR Consulting, Kaz Minerals, Solidcore Eurasia, and Schneider Electric covered sustainable mine water treatment, efficiency improvements in processing, ESG principles implementation, and green mining transformation through electrification and digitalisation.
Strategy Session 5
Uranium Mining and Nuclear Energy development in Kazakhstan: Navigating Geopolitics, Investment, and Sustainability for a Carbon -Neutral Future
Highlighting Kazakhstan’s dominant position in global uranium production (43% of global supply), this session explored the country’s ambitions to move up the nuclear value chain from uranium mining to fuel production and reactor components. Speakers included representatives from Resources Now, Kazatomprom, Atomic Industry Development Association, Chemical Engineering Design Bureau, and SRK Consulting.
Strategy Session 6
Attracting Investment in Mining and Exploration in Central Asia: Creating a Competitive Environment
This session examined financing strategies for mining projects in Kazakhstan, comparing the country’s investment climate with international benchmarks. Representatives from Uzbekistan Technological Metals Company, Astana International Financial Centre, London Stock Exchange Group, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, ScholzvonGleich, Alphamar, and Bast Mining Company discussed capital raising mechanisms, alternative financing options, and new programmes for junior companies.
Master classes by SRK Consulting and Nazarbayev University
SRK Consulting and Nazarbayev University
SRK Consulting hosted a workshop focused on strategic planning for mining operations. Nazarbayev University organised a masterclass addressing risk management for sustainable mineral development, CO2 storage, water resource utilisation analysis, and operational risk assessment.
Workshop by PONEN
QMR accreditation for signing mineral resource and reserve reports in accordance with the KazRC Code.
The Professional Association of Independent Subsoil Experts (PONEN) conducted a workshop on QMR accreditation, reporting in accordance with KAZRC standards, professional development, and ethical guidelines. A representative from Wardell Armstrong International also took part in the session.
Pitch Track 1
Company Presentations
Solutions were presented by MMD, CiDRA Minerals Processing (focused on improving production and energy efficiency), Maptek (enhancing mine productivity through AI tools), Nippon Eirich (decarbonisation), and Krystallos (advancing lithocap analysis).
Pitch Track 2
Company Presentations
Technological solutions were showcased by the International Academy of Informatization, MICROMINE Central Asia LLP, SMT Consulting, Geodevice Kazakhstan LLP, Geotechnology LLC, DNA-BLAST MSK LLC, Drilltek Wuxi, and KMG Automation LLP.
Day 2 (10 April)
Strategy Session 7
Developing Partnerships with Uzbekistan’s mining champions: the sleeping giant awakes
Day two began with discussions on developing partnerships with Uzbekistan’s mining sector, featuring presentations from SRK Consulting UK, Uzbekistan Technological Metals Complex, Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company, and FLS Uzbekistan.
Strategy Session 8
Improving mining efficiency. Time tested methods and strategies
This was followed by case studies on improving mining efficiency through management systems, operational optimisation, and crisis management from Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), RG Gold, Sokolov-Sarybai Mining Production Association, and EY Business Tax Advisory.
DigiTech Session 1
From Dull to Digital: How AI and Advanced Technologies are Revolutionising Mining Operations
Innovative technological solutions for the mining industry were showcased, with participation from ALS Mine Site Services, Dassault Systèmes, CATCO LLP, Seequent, Rock and Mill, and SKAI.
DigiTech Session 2
Smart Exploration: The Key to Unlocking Kazakhstan's Mineral Wealth
The use of artificial intelligence to enhance geological exploration processes was discussed. Participants included Geotek, IGT Overseas LLP, Open Geology Group, ALA Geo Tech, Xcalibur Smart Mapping, and FGBU VIMS.
DigiTech Session 3
Advanced Prospecting methods: the Key to Future Discoveries in Kazakhstan
Electromagnetic surveys and other technologies for optimising subsoil mapping were explored. Representatives from IGT Group, Polyus Management LLC, Scientific and Production Centre GEOKEN LLP, Geotechnology LLC, Smart Geophysics Limited, and Aerogeophysics JSC participated.
Sustainability Session 2
Mine Closure, Risk Management, and Workforce Development
Challenges related to mine closures and waste management were analysed. Contributors included ANGSTREM JSC, Paterson & Cooke, Qarmet, SRK Consulting, and AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow.
Sustainability Session 3
De-risking Underground and Surface Mining
Issues surrounding risk management, focusing on geological, hydrogeological, and geomechanical factors, were examined. Participants included ENSOR Management Consultants, Nazarbayev University, SMT Consulting, SMT Consulting Kazakhstan LLP, the International Academy of Informatization, and Rock and Mill.
Sustainability Session 4
The Future of the Mining Research and Workforce in Kazakhstan: Investing in Competencies
Discussions centred on training qualified personnel and scientific and technical policy. Representatives from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, the Science Fund JSC, the Republican Association of Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises, Rudny Industrial Institute NJSC, Karaganda Industrial University NJSC, the International Academy of Informatization, IVT LLP, and SLR Consulting were involved.
Excellence in Mining Awards
The Kazakhstan Chamber of Mines Excellence in Mining Awards.
The forum served as a platform for establishing new business connections and partnerships that contributed to the further development of the country’s mining industry. One of the forum’s key highlights was the inaugural Kazakhstan Chamber of Mines Award in the field of mining, which recognised achievements in sustainability and innovation by both domestic and international companies.
