An overview of proposed changes to the Tax Code affecting the mining industry, including the incentives for geological exploration, a reduction in the Mineral Extraction Tax (MET) and incentives for mineral processing. Transition to a royalty system, its consequences and practical recommendations for adapting to a changing regulatory environment. Key considerations for establishing mining enterprises in Kazakhstan, with a focus on the government’s policy of collaborating with international companies to encourage investment and drive economic growth.
Positioning Kazakhstan in the global mining market in the context of changing trade policies and growing demand for critical metals. Prospects for the development of supply chains and partnerships to develop the processing of raw materials in Kazakhstan.
Evaluation of collaborative initiatives with Kazakhstan to develop critical raw materials pivotal for addressing climate change and advancing the energy transition. Review of ongoing projects and programs involving international companies in areas such as the exploration of essential metals and minerals, mineral processing, the digitisation of geological data, and the establishment of sustainable energy and water management infrastructure. Discussion of opportunities to enhance partnerships with Kazakhstan’s mining sector and academic institutions.
The Strategic Mine Planning (SMP) master class provides an overview of good practise for developing a mine plan at any stage including greenfield, operating or restart of historic mines. Typical uncertainties that arise during mine planning include:
• Production rate potential of mining targets and the impact of cut-off grade.
• Cut-off grade strategy and schedule priorities.
• Consideration of Inferred resources for open pit and underground strategic planning.
• Reporting of Ore Reserves to an Internationally Recognised Reporting Code.
The SMP master class will outline a range of project challenges experienced and solutions applied through trade-off assessment and detailed mine planning, covering topics such as:
• Selection of mining method, cut-off grade, production rate and schedule priorities.
• Mine waste management, carbon footprint and mine closure considerations.
• Strategic planning considering Inferred Resources.
• Managing gaps in data and testwork.
A discussion on resource depletion issues and strategies for geological exploration activities. Changes in government policy, including incentives for geological research and tax reforms to attract investments in domestic and foreign capital markets. Government initiatives aimed at implementing digital technologies, including artificial intelligence for data processing and interpretation. The potential for new geological discoveries driven by the intensification of airborne geophysical surveys and the transition to detailed mapping at a scale of 1:500,000.
Mining operations face challenges from Kazakhstan’s new Water Code addressing scarcity. Restrictions near water bodies will increase costs while requiring innovative recycling solutions to maintain operations. Simultaneously, Kazakhstan is implementing more stringent environmental policies, focusing on reducing mining’s ecological impact. This trend towards sustainable development will require mining companies to invest in improved environmental management systems, emissions reduction, and biodiversity conservation.
* Pitch-up session 2 is conducted in Russian without simultaneous translation.
Kazakhstan plays a key role in the global nuclear fuel cycle, providing 43% of global uranium production in 2022 and owning 12% of the world’s reserves. However, until now, the country’s participation has been limited to the supply of raw materials. Kazakhstan’s ambitions go beyond uranium exports. The country sees an opportunity to develop the domestic potential of the nuclear-powered energy generation, moving up the value chain from uranium mining to fuel production and possibly even to the production of reactor components.
Kazakhstan has significant mineral potential, but large-scale investments are needed to fully realise it. According to government data, $1 billion of private investment has been attracted in geology over the past five years. The Government is planning to spend around $ 140 million on various mineral exploration activities and programs between 2025-27. For comparison, in 2024 state funding of geological exploration exceeded $ 1 billion. Chile allocated $ 832 million for geological research. What role do international exchanges and national stock exchanges, institutional investors and banks play in financing exploration projects in Kazakhstan?
Organiser: Professional Association of Independent Mining Experts
* Master-classes is conducted in Russian without simultaneous translation
