On 10 November 2023, the British-Kazakh Society (BKS), in collaboration with the UK Department for Business and Trade and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in London, hosted a webinar titled “Mining in Kazakhstan – A View from Canada.” This event aimed to delve into the developments and opportunities within Kazakhstan’s mining sector, featuring insights from key representatives of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) network. The discussion highlighted the latest activities in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, focusing on companies such as Arras Minerals Corporation and Kazakhstan Xcalibur Smart Mapping, as well as the exploration of tin districts across the region.
David Skeels, Director of BKS, opened the session, emphasising the significant potential for international collaboration and investment in Kazakhstan’s mining sector. The webinar was moderated by Mike Beare of Mike Beare & Associates, who has extensive experience in the mining industry, particularly in Kazakhstan. The panel included Matt Booth, Vice President of Arras Minerals Corporation, who provided an update on their flagship project, the LMS project, located in the northeastern region of Kazakhstan. Booth detailed the exploration activities, including soil sampling and drilling, which have revealed promising copper and gold mineralisation.
Said Sultanov, Managing Director of Kazakhstan Xcalibur Smart Mapping, also presented updates on their activities, discussing the integration of airborne geophysical data into mineral exploration. Sultanov highlighted the importance of modernising Kazakhstan’s mining sector and the ambitious plans to enhance production and value chains. He noted that the national airborne geophysical mapping programme has already surveyed over 89,000 kilometres, providing a valuable resource for geologists and investors alike.
The webinar concluded with insights from Anna Fonseca, a geological consultant, who discussed the tin exploration districts in Central Asia, particularly focusing on the Zerabulak district in Uzbekistan. Fonseca emphasised the need for detailed structural analysis to identify fluid pathways that could host mineralisation, advocating for a modern approach to mineral systems analysis.
The webinar underscored Kazakhstan’s rich mineral exploration landscape and the collaborative efforts between UK and Kazakh entities to foster growth and investment in the mining sector. The event served as a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering partnerships, with the potential to unlock significant opportunities for international stakeholders in Kazakhstan’s mining industry.
