Date: April 9, 2025
The 15th MINEX Kazakhstan Mining and Geological Forum is underway today in Astana under the theme: “A New Era of Kazakhstan’s Mineral Resource Development: From Exploration to Processing.”
The event brings together around 100 speakers, 450 delegates, and 40 exhibitors from across Central Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, China, India, Malaysia, and Singapore.
In her keynote address, Zhannat Dubirova, Vice Minister of Industry and Construction, highlighted recent digitalization milestones achieved in the country’s resource sectors:
“Since the beginning of this year, we have launched the Unified Subsoil Use Platform, which now provides 22 digitized public services. So far, it has processed 506 applications. Investors can now apply directly through the portal to participate in auctions. In January, this led to $40 million in investments across 21 sites.”
She also announced that manual oversight of more than 3,000 licenses and contracts related to solid mineral resources had been fully digitized.
Almas Kushumov, Director of the Subsoil Use Department at the ministry, presented the results of state-led geological surveys:
“There is growing business interest in resource development. Over the last two years, 117 subsoil plots and deposits were auctioned electronically, generating more than 29 billion tenge in subscription bonuses. In June 2025, we plan to auction 50 gold, silver, coal, and rare metal deposits.”
The forum is also addressing pressing issues such as Kazakhstan’s role in global critical mineral supply chains, investment climate improvements, uranium sector development, and nuclear energy expansion.
The event will conclude with a session on talent development and national capacity building, followed by a gala awards ceremony honoring achievements in the mining sector, hosted by the Mining Chamber of Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan’s mineral sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by government initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth, industrial diversification, and expanding geological exploration.
