MINEX Forum special report: Kazakhstan Day at PDAC 2023

In his presentation, Yerlan Galiyev discussed the mining sector in Kazakhstan and highlighted the country’s potential in terms of mineral resources, including copper, gold, iron ore, and coal. He also discussed the government’s efforts to promote foreign investment in the mining sector and outlined the various incentives and benefits that are available to investors.

Edouard Huot’s presentation focused on the relationship between Canada and Kazakhstan in the mining sector. He discussed the various Canadian companies that are active in Kazakhstan and highlighted the opportunities that exist for Canadian companies to expand their operations in the country. He also discussed the services that the Canadian government provides to Canadian companies looking to invest in Kazakhstan. 

In his presentation, Blanco discussed the importance of using simulation tools to optimize mining operations and improve efficiency. He highlighted the various applications of simulation in mining, including resource estimation, mine design, and equipment optimization. Blanco also discussed the advantages of using Xcalibur Multiphysics’ software and services, which include advanced algorithms, machine learning capabilities, and cloud-based solutions that can be accessed remotely. He emphasized that by using simulation, mining companies can reduce costs, minimize risks, and improve overall productivity. 

In his presentation, Thomson discussed the importance of accurate and timely data in the mining industry and how MSA Labs’ “Rocks to Data” service can help mining companies make informed decisions.

“Rocks to Data” is a comprehensive service that includes sample preparation, mineralogy, geochemistry, and metallurgy testing, as well as data interpretation and analysis. Thomson emphasized that MSA Labs’ state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, experienced staff, and advanced data analytics capabilities enable mining companies to make data-driven decisions that can lead to improved efficiency and profitability. 

Sultanov delivered a presentation on strategies for building a thriving and sustainable mineral exploration market. Sultanov emphasized that a healthy mineral exploration industry is essential for the long-term growth and success of the mining sector. He also highlighted the need for a supportive regulatory environment and government policies that incentivize investment in exploration. He discussed the various initiatives undertaken by the Kazakh government to promote exploration, including tax incentives, funding for exploration projects, and streamlined permitting processes. 

Kozhamuratov presentated on the challenges and opportunities facing mineral exploration in Kazakhstan. Kozhamuratov emphasized the importance of adopting innovative exploration technologies, such as drone surveys, satellite imagery, and machine learning algorithms, to improve exploration efficiency and accuracy. He also discussed the importance of stakeholder engagement and responsible environmental management in ensuring the sustainability of exploration activities. 

Tim Barry is the CEO and Director of Arras Minerals Corp., a Canadian mining exploration company focused on exploring copper-gold porphyry deposits in Kazakhstan [1]. The company’s main project is the Beskauga copper-gold porphyry project, which is located in the Chu-Sarysu basin, a well-known copper-gold porphyry district in Kazakhstan. The company has an option agreement for the Beskauga project, which requires them to spend US$15 million in exploration expenditures over four years, after which they can purchase 100% of Beskauga for a US$15 million cash payment [2].

Anna talked about exploring Kazakhstan and the importance of learning from past pitfalls to achieve future success in the mining industry.  Fonseca discussed the geological potential of Kazakhstan, which is home to a range of mineral resources including copper, gold, iron ore, and coal. She highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with exploring and developing mineral resources in the country, including regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and social and environmental considerations.

Fonseca emphasized the importance of learning from past experiences in Kazakhstan and other countries to ensure future success. She discussed several case studies of mining projects in Kazakhstan and highlighted the lessons that can be learned from them, including the importance of effective stakeholder engagement, responsible environmental management, and sound financial planning. 

Madina delivered a presentation on exploration tenement management and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the mining industry.  Kapenova discussed the importance of effective exploration tenement management and the challenges associated with acquiring and maintaining exploration licenses. She emphasized the need for companies to have a clear understanding of the regulatory environment in which they operate and to engage in effective stakeholder consultation and engagement to secure exploration licenses. Kapenova emphasized the importance of good governance and transparency in both exploration tenement management and M&A. She discussed the role of the Kazakh government in regulating mining activities and ensuring that they are conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.

In his presentation, Davis discussed the company’s current projects and its plans for future growth.

Davis highlighted the potential of the Central Asian region for gold and copper exploration and development and discussed the company’s exploration work to date, which has identified several promising targets for further development. He also discussed the company’s current mining operations and production capabilities.

In his presentation, Haji discussed the importance of battery metals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, in the development of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, and how ION Energy is working to meet the growing demand for these metals. 

Seltmann discussed the importance of critical metals, such as tungsten, rare earth elements, and cobalt, in modern technologies, including EVs, wind turbines, and smartphones. He highlighted the potential of Kazakhstan as a source of these critical metals, and the country’s significant reserves of rare earth elements, which are essential for many high-tech applications. 

Chirchikbayev talked about attracting investment in exploration projects in Kazakhstan.  Chirchikbayev highlighted Tau-Ken Samruk’s role in promoting mineral exploration and development in Kazakhstan, and the company’s efforts to attract foreign investment in exploration projects. He discussed the various initiatives that Tau-Ken Samruk has undertaken to support exploration activities, including funding for exploration projects and streamlined permitting processes. 

Zarina discussed the geological potential of the Kemir copper project, which is located in an area of significant copper mineralization. She highlighted the results of exploration work to date, including drilling, mapping, and geophysical surveys, which have identified several zones of high-grade copper mineralization. 

Marina presented Aurora Minerals Group’s focus on exploring and developing mineral resources in Kazakhstan and highlighted the company’s significant portfolio of prospective deposits, including copper, gold, and rare earth elements. She discussed the results of exploration work to date, including drilling, mapping, and geophysical surveys, which have identified several zones of high-grade mineralization. 

Britt discussed the challenges associated with interpreting geophysical data, including the large amounts of data involved and the need for accurate data interpretation to identify mineralization targets. She highlighted the potential of AI tools to improve the efficiency and accuracy of geophysical data interpretation and to narrow the search space for mineralization targets. 

Kaminski discussed the challenges associated with VMS type deposits, including their complex geology and the need for accurate data interpretation and modelling to identify mineralization targets. He highlighted the potential of Helitem data to provide valuable insights into the geological structure and mineralization potential of VMS deposits.

Kaminski discussed the results of the interpretation and modelling of Helitem data flown in Eastern Kazakhstan, and how these results were used to identify drill targets for the exploration of VMS-type deposits. He highlighted the importance of accurate data interpretation and modelling in reducing exploration costs and improving the efficiency of exploration activities. 

Amanbayev discussed the importance of geophysical surveys in mineral exploration and development and highlighted the role of Aurora Geophysics in providing high-quality geophysical data and analysis services to its clients.

Amanbayev discussed several advanced geophysical techniques used by Aurora Geophysics, including ground magnetic surveys, induced polarization surveys, and electromagnetic surveys. He highlighted the benefits of these techniques in identifying mineralization targets, and in reducing exploration costs and improving exploration efficiency. 

Burrows discussed the advantages of airborne geophysics over ground-based techniques, including the ability to cover large areas quickly and cost-effectively, and the ability to penetrate deep below the surface. He highlighted the various types of airborne geophysics techniques, including magnetic, electromagnetic, and radiometric surveys, and discussed the applications of these techniques in mineral exploration and development.

Burrows also discussed Xcalibur Multiphysics’ approach to airborne geophysics, and the company’s use of advanced technology, such as high-resolution sensors and data processing algorithms, to improve the accuracy and reliability of its geophysical data. 

Ongarov discussed the impact of drilling activities on the environment and local communities, and the importance of adopting responsible and sustainable drilling practices to mitigate these impacts. He emphasized the need for careful planning and implementation of drilling activities, and the importance of monitoring and managing the environmental and social impacts of drilling operations.

Ongarov discussed several ESG principles that are important in drilling activities, including environmental management, community engagement, and occupational health and safety. He highlighted the importance of building strong relationships with local communities and stakeholders, and the benefits of these relationships in promoting sustainable and responsible drilling practices.