MINEX Kazakhstan, the most significant Forum on mining and critical raw materials developments in Central Asia, is taking place in Astana on 19-20 April. The event organised under the theme “Managing natural resources to accelerate national development” attracted over 500 delegates, including industry experts, government officials, and business leaders from 224 companies and organisations from 30 countries.
With more than 90 speakers and over 50 exhibitors, the Forum facilitates the exchange between industry experts, government officials, and business leaders on growth and progress drivers in the mining and geological industry in Kazakhstan and other countries of Central Asia.
Summary of the second day of the Forum
The Government of Kazakhstan estimates that digital technologies could generate economic benefits in the region of twenty-five billion US dollars, with 9 billion USD in the mining sector alone. These figures clearly show that digitalization has turned from a buzzword into an important tool for improving the efficiency of the mining industry. However, the 2017 analysis of the digitalization level of Kazakhstan’s mining enterprises revealed disappointing results. Many mining, processing, and metallurgical plants in the country date back to the Soviet era and lack modern equipment and communication networks. More than half of the mining enterprises were at the level of Industry 2.0. and had not yet reached full automation. Despite the challenges, the situation is gradually improving with the introduction of the Digital Kazakhstan state program in 2017, which aims to incorporate elements of Industry 4.0 across all sectors. Major players in the mining industry in Kazakhstan have made progress towards digitalization, with equipment ranging from 20-25% to 77-80%, enabling optimisation and automation of production processes. However, small, and medium-sized businesses still have room for improvement.
The second day of MINEX Kazakhstan Forum begins with the 2nd Mining Goes Digital Conference featuring 18 presentations on cases and digitalisation technology that are revolutionising the mining industry in Kazakhstan.
At the conclusion of the Conference, the Forum continues with the session on the modernisation of Kazakhstan’s geology industry which plays a critical role in achieving long-term economic development and achieving its ambitious state plans. 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 line with this, the Kazakhstan Strategy, launched by the government in 2012, identifies social, economic, and political reforms aimed at placing Kazakhstan among the top 30 global economies by 2050.
The mainstream program of the Forum concludes with a session on Green Transformation, Climate, and ESG Management featuring 10 presentations by renowned experts and mining executives.
The mining and metallurgical industry is 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.
Kazakhstan is taking steps toward promoting sustainable development and green transformation. The country has committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2060. As part of this journey, it plans to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources and plant two billion trees in the next five years to increase carbon absorption. In addition, the new environmental code, effective in July 2021, makes climate change adaptation a legal norm for sectoral and regional policy planning. The 50 largest companies, accounting for 80 percent
of emissions in Kazakhstan, are expected to upgrade to the best available technologies by 2025.
At this session, experts and industry representatives discuss the changes in environmental regulatory requirements and the ESG transformation of Kazakhstan’s mining industry.
Alongside the mainstream sessions, the Forum hosts a series of open 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 materials
Presented materials and video recordings of the mainstream sessions, master classes, and open business tracks will be published after the 5th of May and disseminated to the Forum participants
For further information please contact MINEX Forum Secretariat
E-mail: kz@minexforum.com Tel: +7 717 269 68 36