MINEX Forum

Month: March 2024

  • Kazakhstan Explores Geology-AI Integration with Key MoUs Signed at PDAC-2024 Conference in Canada

    Kazakhstan Explores Geology-AI Integration with Key MoUs Signed at PDAC-2024 Conference in Canada

    Kanat Sharlapaev, the Minister of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, spearheaded a delegation from Kazakhstan during the recent PDAC-2024 conference in Canada, where they inked Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on geology, as reported by the Ministry of Industry and Construction.

    These MoUs included partnerships between the National Geological Survey of Kazakhstan (NGS) and Koan Analytics Inc., as well as between NGS and the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), marking a significant advancement towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into geological practices.

    The primary objective of these agreements is to explore the establishment of a Center of Excellence in AI within the NGS framework, aimed at enhancing the precision and efficacy of mineral exploration processes through advanced technologies such as data transformation techniques, predictive models, and algorithms.

    Canadian firm Koan Analytics Inc., known for its expertise in providing industrial solutions, will be pivotal in this venture, leveraging its proficiency in data transformation and machine learning to support NGS in leveraging AI for geology.

    Furthermore, the MoU with GTK underscores the global interest in Kazakhstan’s geological resources, with GTK’s extensive experience enriching collaborative efforts in advancing the field of geology in Kazakhstan.

    Yerlan Galiyev, Chairman of the Board of NGS, emphasized the significance of these agreements in strengthening international cooperation in the geology sector and enhancing investment opportunities.

    The PDAC Convention, where these agreements were signed, serves as a crucial platform for the mining industry, fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation amidst a diverse array of stakeholders from around the globe.

  • Иностранные инвесторы объединились для поиска меди в РК

    Иностранные инвесторы объединились для поиска меди в РК

    Getech Group и East Star Resources plc решили создать совместное предприятие для разведки месторождений меди на территории Казахстана. Обе иностранные компании зарегистрированы в Великобритании, передаёт информагентство AK&M.

    Название новой дочерней организации пока не раскрывают. Известно, что East Star возглавит операционную деятельность. Getech сообщает, что проанализирует минеральные структуры и системы меди из осадочных пород недостаточно изученных бассейнов Казахстана. Собственные данные геологов дополнят возможности искусственного интеллекта.

    Предприятия хотят выявить в республике новые перспективные участки, богатые медью, и после приступить к совместной добыче. До принятия решения о разработке месторождений и получения лицензий доля Getech в проекте будет составлять 5%. В рамках сделки у компании есть колл-опцион на 5% акций СП по нулевой стоимости после получения разрешения на геологоразведку.

    East Star уже имеет девять лицензий на работы по поиску ископаемых в Казахстане. Специалисты исследуют три минеральных района: Рудно-Алтайский пояс, Чу-Илийский рудный пояс и Восточный Костанай.

    Напомним: другой иностранный инвестор — Rio Tinto — собирается провести разведку медных месторождений в Улытауской области.

  • Foreign investors have united to search for copper in the Republic of Kazakhstan

    Foreign investors have united to search for copper in the Republic of Kazakhstan

    Getech Group and East Star Resources plc have decided to establish a joint venture for copper exploration in Kazakhstan. Both foreign companies are registered in the United Kingdom, according to the AK&M news agency.

    The name of the new subsidiary has not been disclosed yet. It is known that East Star will lead the operational activities. Getech states that it will analyze the mineral structures and copper systems from under-explored sedimentary basins in Kazakhstan. The company’s geologist data will complement the capabilities of artificial intelligence.

    The enterprises aim to identify new prospective areas rich in copper in the republic and subsequently commence joint mining operations. Before deciding on the development of deposits and obtaining licenses, Getech’s stake in the project will be 5%. As part of the deal, the company has a call option for 5% of the JV’s shares at zero cost after receiving permission for geological exploration.

    East Star already holds nine licenses for mineral exploration in Kazakhstan. Specialists are studying three mineral regions: the Rudny Altai belt, the Chu-Ili ore belt, and the Eastern Kostanay.

    Reminder: Another foreign investor, Rio Tinto, plans to conduct exploration of copper deposits in the Ulytau region.

  • АГМП: Казахстану нужно развивать углехимию

    АГМП: Казахстану нужно развивать углехимию

    Руководства Республиканской ассоциации горнодобывающих и горно-металлургических предприятий и Института химии угля и технологии заключили соглашение о сотрудничестве. Об этом пишут на портале ассоциации.

    По словам советника исполнительного директора АГМП Тулегена Муханова, состояние отечественной углехимии «зачаточное». Он отметил, что из ежегодно добываемых 110 млн т угля на химическую переработку отправляют порядка 3 млн т. Для сравнения: в КНР из 3 млрд т ископаемого в углехимии используют до 220 млн т.

    АГМП совместно с институтом хочет наладить контакт научных организаций с угольными предприятиями Казахстана. Стороны планируют коммерциализировать результаты исследовательской и научно-технической деятельности в углехимической отрасли.

    По мнению главы Института химии угля и технологии Болата Ермагамбета, проекты углехимии будут пользоваться особой важностью в условиях продвижения безуглеродной политики. Эксперт считает, что со становлением углехимии и выпуском продукции высокого передела вырастет и экономика республики.

    АГМП передаёт, что, помимо ежегодного форума угольной промышленности, в стране планируют провести отдельный конгресс по углехимии.

  • AGMP: Kazakhstan needs to develop coal chemistry

    AGMP: Kazakhstan needs to develop coal chemistry

    The leadership of the Republican Association of Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises and the Institute of Coal Chemistry and Technology have signed a cooperation agreement. This is reported on the association’s portal.

    According to Tulegen Mukhanov, advisor to the executive director of the Republican Association of Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises, the state of domestic coal chemistry is “incipient.” He noted that out of the annually mined 110 million tons of coal, only about 3 million tons are sent for chemical processing. For comparison, in China, out of 3 billion tons of mined coal, up to 220 million tons are used in coal chemistry.

    Together with the institute, the Republican Association of Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises aims to establish contacts between scientific organizations and coal enterprises in Kazakhstan. The parties plan to commercialize the results of research and scientific and technical activities in the coal chemical industry.

    According to Bolat Yermagambet, head of the Institute of Coal Chemistry and Technology, coal chemistry projects will be of particular importance in promoting a carbon-neutral policy. The expert believes that with the development of coal chemistry and the production of high-value-added products, the economy of the republic will grow.

    The Republican Association of Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises also reports that, in addition to the annual coal industry forum, a separate congress on coal chemistry is planned to be held in the country.

  • The North Shuak gold deposit will be developed in the south of Kazakhstan

    The North Shuak gold deposit will be developed in the south of Kazakhstan

    The company Appak Minerals intends to put the North Shuak gold deposit in the Moiynkum district of the Zhambyl region into industrial operation. The plan for mining operations by the subsoil user was found on Kazakhstan’s Unified Environmental Portal.

    The North Shuak reserves were registered with the state in January 2023. The gold-bearing ore reserves were categorized as follows: proven reserves – 438 thousand tons (826 kg of precious metal with an average grade of 1.88 g/t), probable reserves – 288 thousand tons (533 kg of precious metal with an average grade of 1.85 g/t), inferred reserves – 162 thousand tons (323 kg of precious metal with an average grade of 1.99 g/t).

    Appak Minerals has not specified the year it will commence quarrying. It is only known that the mining plan is calculated for six years. The productivity of the future enterprise has been determined at 150 thousand tons of ore per year.

    For the project, the optimal processing technology has been selected – flotation enrichment. Concentrates with gold content of up to 43.6 g/t will be obtained at the flotation plant, with precious metal extraction rates of 90-92%.

  • На юге РК освоят золоторудное месторождение Северный Шуак

    На юге РК освоят золоторудное месторождение Северный Шуак

    Компания Appak Minerals хочет запустить в промышленную эксплуатацию золоторудное месторождение Северный Шуак в Мойынкумском районе Жамбылской области. План горных работ недропользователя мы нашли на Едином экологическом портале Казахстана.

    В 6 км от участка находится действующий золотой актив «Алтыналмаса» — Акбакай. Оба месторождения принадлежат к Акбакайскому рудному району.

    Запасы Северного Шуака приняли на госучёт в январе 2023 года. Запасы золотосодержащих руд разделили по категориям следующим образом: доказанные — 438 тыс. т (826 кг драгметалла со средним содержанием 1,88 г/т), вероятные — 288 тыс. т (533 кг драгметалла со средним содержанием 1,85 г/т), предполагаемые — 162 тыс. т (323 кг драгметалла со средним содержанием 1,99 г/т).

    Appak Minerals не указывает, в каком году приступит к отработке карьера. Известно лишь, что план горных работ рассчитали на шесть лет. Производительность будущего предприятия определили на уровне 150 тыс. т руды в год.

    Для проекта подобрали оптимальную технологию переработки — флотационное обогащение. На ОФ будут получать концентраты с содержанием золота до 43,6 г/т при извлечении драгметалла в 90–92%.

  • Rio Tinto CEO bullish on lithium but not eyeing big acquisitions

    Rio Tinto CEO bullish on lithium but not eyeing big acquisitions

    Rio Tinto’s CEO, Jakob Stausholm, expressed optimism about the future of lithium, highlighting its continued growth driven by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). However, he cautioned that lithium prices are expected to remain volatile.

    Despite the potential in the lithium market, Stausholm stated that Rio Tinto has no plans for significant acquisitions to expand its lithium business. Instead, the company intends to focus on enhancing lithium extraction technology.

    While other major mining firms like BHP have stayed away from investing in lithium, Rio Tinto remains committed to the mineral. Stausholm emphasized the importance of additional battery capacity not only for EVs but also for stationary batteries, which will further drive the demand for lithium.

    Rio Tinto is actively developing the Rincon project, a lithium-brine mine located in Argentina. The company aims to establish a battery-grade lithium carbonate plant with an annual capacity of 3,000 tonnes at this site, with production slated to commence by the end of 2024.

    Despite challenges such as the dispute surrounding the Jadar lithium project in Serbia, where the license was revoked in 2022 due to environmental concerns, Rio Tinto maintains its focus on lithium ventures.

    Stausholm also addressed inflation concerns, suggesting that inflation in Western countries is expected to moderate in the coming year, which could help stabilize costs for companies operating in the sector.

  • Serbia inks geology, mining deal with Central African Republic

    Serbia inks geology, mining deal with Central African Republic

    On March 1, Serbia’s energy ministry announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central African Republic to facilitate cooperation in the domains of geology, mining, and oil. The primary objective of the MoU is to foster collaboration between the two nations by facilitating the exchange of information, organizing high-level discussions involving officials, engaging in consultations with the industrial sector and other relevant stakeholders, and jointly pursuing projects of shared interest, as outlined in a press release issued by the ministry on Thursday.

  • Romanian minister comes up with gold mining grant scheme amid Rosia Montana scandal

    Romanian minister comes up with gold mining grant scheme amid Rosia Montana scandal

    Marcel Bolos, the finance minister of Romania, has proposed a grant scheme for the non-ferrous mining sector to provide essential raw materials like copper to the struggling industry, as reported by Bursa.ro. This initiative, if implemented, aims to support the sector which has faced challenges in recent times.

    Of note is Bolos’s emphasis on including gold mining among the recipients of this scheme, which is particularly notable given the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the Rosia Montana gold mining project. The outcome of this litigation with Gabriel Resources, the company behind the Rosia Montana project, is still pending official confirmation, although unofficial negotiations for a resolution are reportedly ongoing.

    Bolos’s comments on the Rosia Montana project have drawn attention, especially considering the project’s controversial history and the involvement of various political parties. The minister has referenced substantial compensations demanded by Gabriel Resources, purported investments made by the company, and the possibility of a “non-financial settlement” to resolve the dispute. Bolos suggests that such a settlement, which could involve allowing the project to continue, might be more favorable to Romania than paying significant financial compensation.

    However, Romania Curata, an NGO opposing the gold mining project, provides additional context to Bolos’s statements. The NGO claims that Gabriel Resources holds a valid license for the Rosia Montana project and asserts that the company aims to remove the region from UNESCO’s protected sites list for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reasons. Romania Curata alleges that there may be hidden elements of corruption involved in potential agreements between the government and Gabriel Resources, with the government potentially seeking to frame any resolution as a ruling from the World Bank’s ICSID court to justify its actions.

    According to Romania Curata, the risk of Romania paying billions of dollars in compensation could make it more acceptable for the government to sell any resolution as a decision mandated by an international court rather than a negotiated agreement. The NGO contends that such a scenario could ultimately lead to Rosia Montana being excluded from UNESCO’s protected sites list.

    Overall, the situation surrounding the Rosia Montana project remains complex and politically charged, with multiple stakeholders and interests involved. The proposed grant scheme for the non-ferrous mining sector adds another layer to the ongoing debate about Romania’s mining industry and its future direction.