Welcome from the organisers

Arthur Poliakov
Founder and Chief Executive
MINEX Forum

0 0

Welcome from the British Embassy in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Kathy Leach
His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan
Embassy of the United Kingdom

1 0

Digitalisation of geology and subsoil use in Kazakhstan

The key challenge facing Kazakhstan is the low reproduction of reserves. To accelerate the development of geological science and provide raw materials to the manufacturing industry in Kazakhstan, the National Geological Service was created and the National Geological Strategy for 2023-2027 was adopted by the Government. To facilitate access to geological information, an interdepartmental information system “KAZNEDRA” is being created. To address the issues and improve exploration efficiency the Industry will implement advanced information and digital technologies.

- New models of industry management based on the seamless movement of machine-readable data from the stages of exploration to production and processing.
- Development of a single interdepartmental platform for subsoil use “Kaznedra”.
- Creation and digitalisation of mineral core storage facilities.
- Digital mapping of geological structures in Kazakhstan.
- Using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the prediction and analysis of mineral resources.
- Improvement of remote sensing and GIS-based mapping techniques.
- Using machine learning algorithms to predict geological formations.
- Integration of geophysical data with satellite imagery to improve survey accuracy.
- Application of artificial intelligence technologies and drones to obtain images and data in hard-to-reach regions.
- The use of digital technologies in the analysis and implementation of investment projects.

0 0

Automation and digitalisation of mining assets management from pilots to the creation of single chains and digital twins

Kazakhstan, like other transit economies, faces unique opportunities in the digital economy. This will require a transformation in how businesses work to use digital technologies and data to create value. This also opens up opportunities for digital transformation through the use of new digital platforms and the application of business models to optimise the functioning of the various sectors of the economy and the allocation of resources.

- Technological solutions of industrial automation and digitalisation to optimise production processes.
- Digital projects in the mining industry: verification, visualization, automation of management; development of an automated system of technical service and repairs; geomechanical modelling of deposits;  creation of 3D models of the infrastructure assets, etc.
- Use of Digital predictive technology to prevent failures and maintain repairs.
- Software and computer-based models for forecasting and designing blasting operations in quarries.
- A digital twin of mine transport systems.
- The digital twin of the mining and processing enterprise.
- Unified automated control systems for the mining and transport complex.

0 0

Creating a favourable business climate for sustainable development and investment in the mining industry

Large foreign businesses contribute a third of all taxes in Kazakhstan. In 2021, tax revenues to the state budget increased by 25%, with the extractive industries experiencing the highest growth due to rising prices in global commodity markets. However, despite an inflow of 11.7% foreign investment in the mining industry in 2022, growth in the sector decreased.

- Overview of Kazakhstan’s place in global mineral resource production. Current trends, challenges, and opportunities
- Analysis of production and economic indicators in the mining industry of Kazakhstan for 2022.
- Discussion of priorities and strategies to ensure growth and attract investment in the sector.
- Examination of new approaches and practices in the management of subsoil use in Kazakhstan.
- Analysis of recent amendments to the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Subsoil and Subsoil Use”.
- Discussion of changes in the taxation of the mining sector in Kazakhstan.
- Examination of programs for socio-economic development in areas with a high concentration of mining production.
- Opportunities for new market development and the creation of new industries in the manufacturing sector in Kazakhstan.

0 0

Priorities for the development of the geological industry in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is among the top ten leading countries in the world in terms of confirmed reserves of most types of minerals. To increase the competitiveness of the Mining and Metals sector in the coming years, measures will be taken to replenish the mineral resource base, simplify and automate business processes on a single platform of subsoil users, and deepen the processing of base metals to finished products.

- The National Program for the intensification of the state geological study of priority minerals.
- Plans of the National Geological Survey to reduce investment risks and carry out work at an early stage.
- Utilize new tools to attract investment in geological exploration.
- New incentive for investment in geological exploration.
- Increasing the economic attractiveness of mineral deposits offered to investors.
- Completion of the transition to international reporting standards for resources and reserves of metals and minerals.
- Creation of a “transparent” information system to simplify investors’ access to geological information.
- Protection of the rights of geological discoverers and simplifying the transition to the production phase.
- State-initiated audit of subsoil use licenses aimed at creating transparent and fair market conditions for investors.
- Introduction of space monitoring of the activities of subsoil users.

0 0

Developing Kazakhstan’s Critical Metals and Materials Potential

Critical materials – chromium, copper, germanium, lithium and others – are essential building blocks for renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines and batteries. In terms of potential in mining and exporting critical raw materials, Kazakhstan ranks fourth worldwide, while in aluminium it is among the top 10. Stimulated by global demand for international investment and technologies, Kazakhstan is poised to become a strategic supplier of battery metals and other critical materials to the Global markets.

- The new role of Kazakhstan in the EU “Green Deal” as a new strategic supplier of strategic raw materials and green hydrogen.
- Prospects for the discovery of new deposits of strategic metals and minerals in Kazakhstan.
- The potential for the development of large-scale production of cobalt, nickel, lithium, and other metals for the “green economy”.
- Modernisation and Development of the Mining and Metallurgical Industry in Kazakhstan: New opportunities, incentives, and challenges.
- Green Production and Energy: Development of environmentally friendly processes.
Resource Efficiency: Maximizing material use while increasing ore and metal extraction.

0 0

Efficient technologies for forecasting and exploration of mineral deposits
Given the vast areas of Kazakhstan, the effectiveness of geological forecasting and exploration largely depends on the use of advanced technologies, comprehensive analysis and the high competence of specialists. In Kazakhstan, a course has been taken to modernise the geological industry using innovative exploration methods. Modernisation of the industry is critically important for improving the quality of valuation of prospective areas and determining the best methods for their development and production.

- Modernisation of industry practices to improve the quality of mine valuation.
- Development of technologies that allow real-time collection, processing and analysis of geological survey data.
- Automation of routine manual work to improve quality and speed up processes.
- Creation of continuous chains from the digital core, geological research data, seismic exploration, and regional and basin modelling to digital geological models.
- Automating updates of geological models based on constantly incoming new data.
- Application of Big Data and Data Mining technologies to improve the accuracy of planning and the speed of decision-making.
- Improving the quality of field assessment and determining the best methods for their development and operation.
- Computer simulation of drilling and blasting parameters to increase the profitability of production.

0 0

Green Transformation, Climate and ESG Management

The mining and metallurgical industry are one of the three largest emitters of greenhouse gases. Green transformation, climate management and mining waste management are important for protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. The transition to carbon neutrality will require huge investments in new products and energy technologies. The stability of the tax burden and the tax environment is an important factor affecting the investment planning and "green" development of Mining companies.

- Review of changes in environmental regulatory requirements in Kazakhstan.
- State incentives to stimulate the "green" transformation of the mining industry and the transition to carbon neutrality in Kazakhstan.
- Establishing transparency and sustainability of supply as key principles of the "green economy".
- Experience in implementing ESG principles in the mining industry.
- Identification of potential opportunities and evaluation of the effectiveness of decarbonisation technologies in the mining industry.
- Creation of renewable energy sources for mining.
- Use of CO2 monitoring and capture technologies at mining and metallurgical enterprises.
- Projects aimed at decarbonisation of production – successful experiences.
- Transition to a circular economy to improve the management of resources, materials and waste.
- Experiences in introducing new standards for land reclamation and post-mining reconciliation.
- Development of the market for carbon units (VCM).

2 0

Эффективные технологии прогноза и поиска рудных месторождений

Учитывая огромные площади Казахстана, эффективность геолого-поисковых работ во многом зависит от использования передовых технологий, комплексного анализа и высокой компетентности специалистов.  В Казахстане взят курс на модернизацию геологической отрасли с применением инновационных методов ГРР. Модернизация отрасли также поможет решить задачи для повышения качества оценки месторождений и определения оптимальных методов их разработки и эксплуатации.

- Модернизация отраслевых практик для повышения качества оценки месторождений.
- Развитие технологий, позволяющих в реальном времени собирать, обрабатывать и анализировать данные геологических изысканий.
- Автоматизация рутинной ручной работы специалистов для повышения качества и ускорения процессов.
- Создание непрерывных цепочек от цифрового керна, данных геологических исследований, сейсморазведки, регионального и бассейнового моделирования до цифровых геологических моделей.
- Автоматизированное обновление геологических моделей на основе постоянно поступающих новых данных.
- Применение технологий Big Data и Data Mining для повышения точности планирования и скорости принятия решений.
- Повышение качества оценки месторождений и определение оптимальных методов их разработки и эксплуатации.
- Компьютерное моделирование параметров буровзрывных работ для повышения рентабельности добычи.

0 0

Автоматизация и цифровизация процессов управления активами горного производства от пилотов до создания единых цепочек и цифровых двойников

Казахстан, как и другие страны с транзитной экономикой, сталкивается с уникальными перспективами в цифровой экономике. Это потребует трансформации того, как предприятия работают с цифровыми технологиями и данными, чтобы коммерциализировать их для получения прибыли. Это также открывает возможности для цифровой трансформации за счёт использования новых цифровых платформ и применения бизнес-моделей для оптимизации функционирования различных секторов экономики и распределения ресурсов. 

- Технологические решения промышленной автоматизации и цифровизации для оптимизации производственных процессов недропользователей.
- Цифровые проекты в горнодобывающей промышленности, охватывающие проверку, визуализацию, автоматизацию управления процедурами; разработку автоматизированной системы технического сервиса и ремонтов; геомеханическое моделирование месторождений; создание 3D-моделей инфраструктуры объектов и др.
- Цифровой учёт профилактических осмотров и ремонтов техники, способствующий визуализации технического состояния оборудования и сокращению его простоев.
- Программное обеспечение компьютерной модели прогнозирования и проектирования формы развала и распределения компонентов при производстве взрывных работ в карьерах.
- Цифровой двойник транспортных систем месторождений.
- Цифровой двойник горно-обогатительного предприятия.
- Единые автоматизированные системы управления горнотранспортным комплексом.

0 0

MINEX ForumTM is a specialist events and information exchange platform dedicated to promoting Mining Technological Innovation, Regulation and Investment opportunities across Eurasian continent. MINEX Mining and Exploration Forum was established in 2005. Since then MINEX Forum TM has organised 100 mining events in Russia, Central Asia, UK, Europe and China.

0 0

Приветственное обращение организаторов форума

Артур Поляков
Основатель и главный руководитель
MINEX Forum

0 0

Цифровизация геологии и недропользования в Казахстане

Ключевым вызовом, стоящим перед геологической отраслью, является низкая воспроизводство запасов. Для развития геологической науки и обеспечения сырьём обрабатывающую отрасль в Казахстане создана Национальная геологическая служба и принята Концепция развития геологической отрасли на 2023-2027 годы. Для облегчения доступа к геологической информации создаётся межведомственная информационная система «KAZNEDRA». Для решения основных проблем отрасли планируется вести работу по повышению эффективности геологического изучения недр и восполнению минерально-сырьевой базы с использованием технологий информатизация и цифровизации.  

- Новые модели управления отраслью на основе бесшовного движения данных от этапа геологоразведки до добычи и переработки с получением всех данных в машиночитаемом виде.
- Развитие единой межведомственной платформы недропользования «Kaznedra».
- Создание и цифровизация кернохранилищ по различным горным породам.
- Цифровое картографирование геологических структур в Казахстане.
- Использование искусственного интеллекта (ИИ) для помощи в прогнозировании и анализе подземных ресурсов.
- Усовершенствование методов дистанционного зондирования и картографирования на основе ГИС.
- Использование алгоритмов машинного обучения для прогнозирования геологических формаций.
- Интеграция геофизических данных со спутниковыми снимками для повышения точности изысканий.
- Применение технологий искусственного интеллекта и беспилотников для получения изображений и данных в труднодоступных регионах.
- Использование цифровых технологий при анализе и реализации инвестиционных проектов.

0 0

Приветствие посольства Великобритании в Республике Казахстан
Кэти Лич
Посол Его Величества в Республике Казахстан

0 0

Kazakhstan is set to host on 19-20 April in Astana the MINEX Kazakhstan 2023 – the first major international Forum of the year for Kazakhstan’s Mining and Mineral Exploration. The event will focus on "Managing natural resources to accelerate national development", and is expected to attract over 500 delegates, including industry experts, government officials, and business leaders from 25 countries.

The Forum will offer opportunities for discussion and presentation of key trends, projects, and technologies in the mining and geological industry in Kazakhstan and the countries of the Central Asian region. With more than 80 speakers and over 50 exhibitors, the Forum promises to be a significant platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration.
The Forum will cover various topics related to the mining and geological industry, including efficient technologies for forecasting and exploration of mineral deposits, developing Kazakhstan's critical metals and materials potential, unlocking Kazakhstan's mineral potential with advanced technologies and investment solutions, green transformation, climate and ESG management, priorities for the development of the geological industry in Kazakhstan, and creating a favourable business climate for sustainable development and investment in the mining industry.
In addition to plenary and technical sessions, the Forum will also include the Mining Goes Digital Conference, which will cover topics such as automation and digitalisation of mining assets management from pilots to the creation of single chains and digital twins. The event will also feature master classes, including the IGT Open Master Class "Geological and Structural Mapping – the Basis for Forecasting and Searching for Ore Deposits" and the Open master class of SRK Consulting "I got my exploration license…..what next?".

Furthermore, the exhibition will feature various business tracks related to the mining and geological industry, such as technologies for the optimisation of exploration of mineral and metals deposits, modernisation of production from exploration and processing, and technologies for the digitalisation of mining operations.

The culminating event of the MINEX Kazakhstan 2023 Forum will be the recognition of the winners of MineDigital's 2nd competition for digital transformation technologies geared towards mining and metallurgical enterprises.

The Forum aims to accelerate the country's development by unlocking the mineral potential of Kazakhstan and the Central Asian region. It presents an excellent opportunity for industry experts, government officials, and business leaders to exchange ideas and insights, explore new technologies and investment opportunities, and build partnerships and collaborations that can drive growth and progress in the mining and geological industry.

0 0

The final session of the first day of the forum was devoted to the issues of closure of deposits and reclamation of lands and waters. the Session was held with the support of SRK Consulting (Kazakhstan).

According to official data, about 8 thousand fields operate in Kazakhstan today, all of them were discovered in the years of the USSR. But many of the deposits of lead, copper and a number of rare metals are on the verge of depletion and in 10-15 years will be produced. The closure of the fields is associated with operational and social challenges. Following the depletion of minerals and metals, mining companies are responsible for the reclamation of land and water resources, focusing on environmental issues such as biodiversity conservation and restoration of pre-existing ecosystems. This is a technologically complex and expensive process that is usually taken into account in the early stages of mine design and development. The process of closure of deposits in Kazakhstan began relatively recently and practical experience in solving problems is critical to ensuring the sustainable development of the mining industry. In the East Kazakhstan and Karaganda regions, mass closures of city-forming deposits have already begun. It is assumed that in 5-20 years a number of other fields in the east of Kazakhstan will be closed. The closure of enterprises will lead to socio-economic problems that need to be urgently addressed.

Mike Beare, Director and Corporate Consultant (Mining), SRK Consulting (Kazakhstan), took part in the discussion of the problems of transition to new requirements for the closure of deposits; Sandugash Abdizhalelova, Consultant Ecologist, SRK Consulting (Kazakhstan) and Nikolai Kirillov, Senior Environmental Consultant, SRK Consulting (Kazakhstan).

Then there was a presentation of technological solutions successfully used in the closure of spent fields in Kazakhstan, European countries, and South Africa. Eleanor Widzik-Capehart, Associate Professor, Nazarbayev University spoke about the use of new wireless smart sensors to measure ground movement in quarries and underground mines. Eugene Louppov, Regional Director, Insight Terra presented the experience of monitoring decommissioned tailings ponds. The session was concluded by François du Toit, Consultant Geotechnical Engineer, SRK Consulting (Kazakhstan) with a presentation “TSF monitoring as an assistant in the development of TARP for closure”.

0 0

The fourth session was held in the format of a discussion on the trends and prospects of
ESG financing in the mining industry. Achieving carbon neutrality in industrial production requires significant costs both on the part of companies and financial institutions, as well as the state. To stimulate ESG financing, incentives and other instruments are being discussed at various levels. Credit institutions and stock markets are developing new criteria. Raising financing for green and adaptation projects helps companies improve ratings and market value. Companies are developing responsible financing tools that allow them to raise funds for the implementation of projects aimed at changing climate impacts and green projects, including waste management, energy, construction, transport, water supply, biodiversity, and environmental protection. In discussion participated Victor Kovalenko,

Partner, Head of Climate Change and Sustainability Services practice, EY; Sergey Sidorkin, Deputy Director along socially-Economic Projects “IMC Montan”; Aidar Kazybayev, Chief Executive Officer, IFC Green Finance Centre, Akop Kagramanyan, Principle Banker Natural Resources, European Bank Reconstruction и Development (EBRD); Jane Joughin, Corporate consultant (ESG), SRK Consulting (UK); Georgiy Freiman, Chairman, Public Union Independent Experts Bowels (PONEN); Katya Gorbatyuk, Primary Capital Markets – CIS & Central Asia, Sustainable Finance Committee and Asem Kernebayeva, Manager director – Chief Directorate along Green и Social Initiatives, Eurasian Development Bank.

0 0

After the break, a session was held on the use of “Clean” technologies and strategies for the sustainable development of mining and metallurgical enterprises. The session was organised with the support of the Department for International Trade of Great Britain.

Environmental, social and governance requirements for the mining and metallurgical industry are becoming more stringent and large-scale. This is facilitated by the decarbonization of the world economy and the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Realizing this, many mining enterprises in Kazakhstan are revising their sustainable development strategies and actively introducing technologies and projects that contribute to reducing environmental impact, reducing emissions and waste and the efficient use of energy and water resources.

At the session, British technologies proposed for use in the mining and metallurgical industry were presented. Kevin Porter, Commercial Director of Terra Motion, spoke about the use of InSAR technology to monitor soil movement in the mining industry. Using this method, the company can predict the collapse of tailings dams, monitor the level of contaminated water, prevent environmental disasters, and support asset management and risk assessment in a cost-effective way.

Robert Pell, Founder and CEO of Minviro, introduced a new mineLCA technology that allows you to collect real-time data on the environmental impact of products produced by mines, refineries and refineries. Johan Kempe, Business Development Manager at Howden spoke about innovations in mine ventilation equipment. The company has conducted several case studies on how mining companies can find opportunities to reduce operating costs and associated greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining clean air and good working conditions in the mines. Ildar Yamaliev, General Director of Concret Kanvas, gave examples of the use of Concrete Canvas in the mining industry in the CIS countries and around the world. Irek Amirov, Deputy Commercial Director of Aggreko Eurasia, concluded the session with a presentation of effective rental solutions for power generation.

Mining Goes Digital Conference
After a short break, the Mining Goes Digital Conference dedicated to the digital transformation of mining and metallurgical enterprises in Kazakhstan started at the forum.

0 0