Redefining Kazakhstan’s strategic goals for the mining sector, its role in the national economy, and its long-term vision. Insights on the government’s commitment to fostering growth and diversification through mining.

Addressing challenges in resource depletion and strategies for sustained exploration activity. Updates on policy changes, including incentives for geological exploration and tax reforms to attract domestic and foreign investments. Government’s initiatives to enhance geological mapping, use of AI, aero-geophysical surveys, and the transition to detailed 500,000-scale mapping. Focus on advancements in digital technologies, including AI, for data processing and interpretation and the potential for new discoveries through updated mapping efforts.

Analysing the global demand for critical minerals: lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements. Positioning Kazakhstan in the global mining market amidst changing trade policies and increasing demand for critical metals. Prospects for the development of supply chains and partnerships enabling deeper raw material processing.

An in-depth discussion on proposed changes to Kazakhstan’s tax code, covering deductions for exploration, reduced MET for technogenic formations, and incentives for mineral processing. The potential shift to a royalty system, its implications, and practical guidance on navigating the evolving regulatory environment. An overview of the proposed tax code amendments impacting the mining sector. Navigating Kazakhstan’s Mining Regulatory Framework. The practicalities of setting up mining ventures in Kazakhstan. Focus on joint venture opportunities and the government’s commitment to collaboration with international companies.

An overview of the potential of tailings reprocessing in Kazakhstan, including the economic, environmental, and social benefits. Quantifying potential Critical Raw Materials reserves in tailings in Kazakhstan. Case studies of successful tailings reprocessing projects using new technologies and approaches. Findings and recommendations of the UNECE pilot project aimed to strengthen the safety of tailings management facilities (TMFs), in Kazakhstan and beyond in Central Asia. Potential implications of proposed tax incentives for metals extracted from technogenic mineral formations (mining and metallurgy wastes including tailings, overburden etc.).

Kazakhstan’s mineral wealth and processing goals. Efforts to add value to its raw materials and foster economic growth through domestic processing. Implication of regulatory mandates to boost local workforce and procurement participation in mining projects. Strategies for integrating small and medium enterprises into mining supply chains.

Analysing the global demand for critical minerals: lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements. Positioning Kazakhstan in the global mining market amidst changing trade policies and increasing demand for critical metals. Prospects for the development of supply chains and partnerships enabling deeper raw material processing.

Kazakhstan, despite its rich mineral resources, is facing a dramatic decline in foreign direct investment, particularly in the extractive sector. The current regulatory framework is marred by complexities in obtaining and exercising mining rights, inadequate automation of state services, and inconsistencies between mining regulations and other areas of law such as tax, land, and environmental legislation. This session will delve into the key issues identified in recent consultations and regulatory policy documents, including the lack of clear procedures, overlapping legislation, and the need for greater transparency and efficiency. Experts will discuss practical solutions, international best practices, and the necessity for a holistic approach to reform, aiming to enhance the investment attractiveness of Kazakhstan’s mining sector and align it with international standards.

As the world races to meet climate change commitments through nuclear energy development, Kazakhstan stands at a pivotal crossroads. This session explores the evolving landscape of uranium mining, foreign direct investment, and nuclear power development in Kazakhstan. From shifting international partnerships and ownership structures to ambitious domestic nuclear plans, we examine how Central Asia’s largest economy is balancing multiple stakeholder interests while positioning itself as a key player in the global nuclear energy supply chain.

Kazakhstan is making significant strides in the development of green energy, particularly within its mining sector, aligning with the country’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060. Kazakhstan aims to deploy 11.7 GW of new wind and solar capacity by 2035, with current installed capacities of 957 MW in wind and 1.149 MW in solar. This expansion includes various projects, such as a planned 200 MW wind farm near Ekibastuz in collaboration with Chinese and Kazakh companies, expected to be completed by 2026. The session will discuss the projects aimed to significantly reduce the country’s carbon footprint and dependence on coal, despite ongoing plans for new coal capacity. The transition to green energy is crucial for mitigating environmental degradation and improving health indicators in regions historically reliant on fossil fuels.

Kazakhstan is a global leader in gold sales (13 tons in Autumn 2024), generating significant revenue for the state budget. However, sustainable growth hinges on addressing challenges related to the resource base, technology, financing, and processing. The resource base primarily consists of small and medium-sized deposits, with over half being “refractory” ores that are difficult to process. While current proven reserves (285 tons) can sustain production for 25-30 years, insufficient funding for geological exploration could lead to future shortages.

• What strategies can effectively stimulate further growth in Kazakhstan’s gold mining industry?
• How can the sector be made more appealing to both domestic and foreign investors?
• What positive socioeconomic impacts can gold mining development provide to various regions?
• What specific challenges do small to medium-sized gold mining enterprises face in the country?
• What kinds of tax breaks would be most effective in encouraging development, especially in the exploration phase?
• What technological innovations are available to efficiently process complex or refractory ores?
• What mechanisms can be implemented to help smaller companies obtain the necessary financing for gold exploration and mining operations?
• Why hasn’t the sector developed the capability to transform gold into finished products, such as jewellery?
• What potential benefits could be realised through the development of local gold processing and manufacturing?
• What opportunities exist for consolidating enterprises in the gold mining sector to attract substantial investment and escalate industry modernisation?

Case studies of companies implementing environmentally friendly technologies and how the Environmental Code of 2021 is reshaping industry practices.

Innovative approaches to re-developing and recycling mine tailings, highlighting the economic, environmental, and social benefits of these practices. Benefits and challenges of recycling industrial waste and the importance of sustainable development in the mining industry. The discussion of recent research and case studies of the use of innovative technologies and methods for extracting valuable components from tailings damps. Mine Waste Recycling and Treatment.

Challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental and social concerns and the potential for sustainable development of the mining regions in Kazakhstan. Economic diversification in practice. Mitigating Environmental and Health risks of mining operations. Developing a Community Engagement Plan for Mining Projects.

Changing water management landscape in the mining sector in Kazakhstan, with a focus on the introduction of a new Water Code, the implementation of Best Available Techniques (BAT) handbooks, how this code, along with the Subsoil and Subsoil Use Code, will strictly regulate water management in the mining sector. Innovative strategies, technological advancements, and best practices to ensure sustainable and efficient water use in mining.  Meeting operational water requirements through Closed-Loop Systems and Water Recycling. Water-efficient conservation design strategies are essential for mining operations. Development and adoption of dry processing techniques to reduce water requirements. Benefits of dry tailings disposal in recovering water and improving safety. Water filtration innovations. Water Management in Underground Mines.

Regulatory advancements and the practical challenges associated with mine closure in Kazakhstan. The new Subsoil and Subsoil Use Code, the gaps between legal requirements and practice, and the steps being taken to refine and improve mine closure processes. The current state of mine closure plans in Kazakhstan. Improving Closure Planning and Costing Reliability. A common weakness in closure planning in Kazakhstan: Geochemical Studies and Water Impacts. Addressing the socio-economic transition aspects of mine closure. Strategies for improving closure planning, costing reliability, and socio-economic transition during mine closure.

The trends in decarbonisation by mining and metallurgical companies. Implementation of the Global climate disclosure standards to reveal companies’ decarbonisation ambitions. Using current technologies to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Latest trends and innovations in cleantech and decarbonisation in mining in mining, including Methane capture / destruction and storage and electric vehicles. Renewable Energy Utilisation Cases – shift from traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Innovation for Growth – Transforming Kazakhstan’s mining sector through strategic national programs, academic innovation, and targeted technological investments. The Digital Kazakhstan Programme – a catalyst of R&D and application of AI, IT and digitalisation of Mining and Extractive Industries. The role of university‑based start‑ups and spin‑offs for leveraging academic expertise and technological advancements to address industry‑specific challenges. Unlocking the Potential of Kazakhstan’s Mining through Technology and Finance Hubs: Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), Astana Hub, Tech Garden. The “Kaznedra” platform – a unified “window” for investors.  The “Kazcontent 2.0” initiative for the development of industrial hubs and technology parks to foster innovation and the localisation of production.

Showcase of cutting-edge technologies implemented in the Kazakhstani mining sector. Focus on the practical applications of artificial intelligence, automation, data analytics, and other advanced technologies for enhancing exploration, operational efficiency, and safety in mining operations. Adoption of digitalisation and artificial intelligence to improve data processing and industry transparency. Successful case studies of technology adoption in Kazakhstan.

The use of aero-geophysical surveys to improve subsurface mapping and geological understanding. Discussion of new technologies, methodologies, and the potential for these techniques to accelerate exploration and discovery in Kazakhstan, focusing on practical applications and benefits.

Leveraging AI to boost the competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s geological sector. Implementation of geological data analysis, deposit exploration optimisation, and related procedures to improve the precision, efficiency and speed of mineral discovery and extraction.

Shift towards automation and remote operations in mining. The role of advanced real-time detection and monitoring systems for improving a mine safety. Facilitating better mine planning, shaft stability monitoring, and hazard prediction with Digital Mapping and 3D Modelling. Integration of 5G technology in underground mining for comprehensive connectivity across physical and digital equipment. Advancements in predictive maintenance through machine learning and IoT-enabled sensors. Use of autonomous vehicles and drones for surveillance, exploration, and inspection in underground mining. Mitigating heat and noise pollution with the electrification of mining equipment. Use of high-fidelity training for underground mining operators, enhancing skills transfer and operational value.

The mining industry in Kazakhstan is navigating a turbulent landscape shaped by the imposition of secondary sanctions from the US and EU. These sanctions, targeting entities that engage with sanctioned countries, have introduced significant challenges and uncertainties for Kazakhstani mining enterprises. This session aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how secondary sanctions are reshaping the trade dynamics, corporate behaviours, and overall competitiveness of the mining industry in Kazakhstan. The discussion will highlight the differences in their responses, the effectiveness of these strategies, and the broader implications for their operational stability and market positioning. Additionally, the role of state regulation and support in helping these companies adapt to the new geopolitical realities will be a key focus.

Discussion of the current standards and regulations related to electrification in mining, including the need for safe and reliable power systems.

Discussion of the key skills and competencies required for the future of mining in Kazakhstan, including technical, business, and soft skills.