MINEX Forum

Tag: digitalisation

  • Digital Transformation in Central Asian Geology: Platforms, AI, and Workforce Challenges

    Digital Transformation in Central Asian Geology: Platforms, AI, and Workforce Challenges

    The mining industry is increasingly recognising the importance of digitalisation, particularly in the field of geology, which is one of the most knowledge-intensive sectors. However, the pace of digital transformation in Central Asia is lagging behind the demands of the business and global investment markets. This article explores how Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are addressing this issue through strategic programmes aimed at expanding their mineral resource bases.

    In the competitive landscape of critical minerals, the integration of digital technologies is essential for success. From forecasting and assessing mineral reserves to product exportation, the mining industry must embrace digital solutions. Despite the existence of scientific literature and discussions at strategic business forums, the application of AI, big data, and machine learning remains limited to isolated practices. A systematic approach is needed to harness geological information effectively, and both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are developing their own transformation scenarios.

    Kazakhstan has made significant strides since the launch of a unified subsoil use platform in 2025. By August 2026, the country completed the digitisation of geological information, processing over 4.8 million archival materials, marking a revolutionary step that could serve as a model for other Central Asian nations. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan announced the creation of a National Geological Data Base, aiming to digitise 36,000 reports and establish a Centre for Technological Transformation, which is expected to double the quality and speed of geological data generation and modelling.

    Experts at the MINEX Kazakhstan 2026 forum highlighted that the digitalisation of geology is a matter of survival rather than prestige for Central Asian countries. Traditional methods are no longer sufficient to ensure growth or replenish mineral resources, especially as older deposits are depleted and ore quality declines. The key challenge is not just the quantity of reserves but the effective management of geological data and decision-making based on that data. Currently, only 21% of geologists in Kazakhstan have access to modern data transmission networks, significantly delaying project timelines.

    A critical barrier to digitalisation is the skills gap, particularly in the intersection of IT, big data, and geology, which are essential for quality predictive analysis. The reliance on foreign software and the lack of local intellectual resources hinder the rapid development of homegrown solutions. The competition for skilled professionals in IT and data science is fierce, with companies vying for talent by offering lucrative salaries.

    Another significant obstacle is the absence of unified standards for geological information, although Kazakhstan has made progress in this area. Without the integration of historical data, its value diminishes, and investors are less inclined to engage. To improve the situation, experts suggest a shift in focus towards innovative priorities within the industry.

    The Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development of Kazakhstan has begun practical steps to implement neural network models in geology, collaborating with the National Geological Service and Astana Hub. This initiative is supported by EPAM Kazakhstan and aims to address the skills shortage by training geologists in big data and machine learning techniques.

    The article also discusses various applications of AI in modelling mineral deposits and the use of digital tools in geophysical exploration across Kazakhstan and beyond. Companies are employing advanced methods such as 3D modelling and machine learning to enhance the accuracy of geological assessments and streamline operations. As Kazakhstan embarks on a state programme to study 20 areas for detailed geological surveys, the integration of IT tools will be crucial for achieving its resource potential.

    In conclusion, Central Asia is undergoing a significant transformation in its geological sector, which will ultimately determine the success of the entire mining industry in the region. The future of geology in Central Asia hinges on the successful implementation of digital technologies and the establishment of an open ecosystem for geological information, positioning countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as high-tech hubs in the Eurasian landscape.

  • Uzbekistan Accelerates Geological Sector Transformation Through Digitalisation

    Uzbekistan Accelerates Geological Sector Transformation Through Digitalisation

    Uzbekistan is embarking on a significant transformation of its geological sector, aiming to attract up to $30 billion in investments by 2030 through the implementation of digital solutions and artificial intelligence. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev recently presented an ambitious plan to modernise the mining and geological industries, highlighting the need for a comprehensive national geological database to enhance global investor interest in new projects. Currently, Uzbekistan lacks a unified geological data platform, unlike Kazakhstan, which has had its Unified Subsoil Use Platform operational since 2025. The establishment of a digital geological map is deemed essential, as it will integrate historical data with current information, thereby improving the attractiveness of Uzbekistan’s geological resources to international investors.

    To facilitate this transformation, Uzbekistan plans to digitise over 36,000 reports and other information sources stored in various formats. This process is expected to take several years, drawing on the experiences of Russia and Kazakhstan, which have already undertaken similar initiatives. The new Centre for Technological Transformation will oversee the digitisation efforts, which will include compiling geological maps, drilling data, laboratory results, and production indicators into a single electronic database. Such a consolidation is anticipated to enhance the efficiency of discovering new mineral deposits.

    The government’s strategy includes leveraging artificial intelligence to expedite the analysis of geological data, improve resource estimation, and enhance drilling operations. Specific targets have been set, including a 10% reduction in the cost of geological exploration and a doubling of the speed at which new deposits are identified. Additionally, the number of investment proposals is expected to quadruple as a result of these digital advancements.

    Currently, only 40% of Uzbekistan’s mineral resources have been explored, but the government is keen to increase this figure significantly. By 2030, the country aims to boost its reserves of gold, silver, and copper substantially. Uzbekistan is home to over 30 types of critical minerals and is actively pursuing 76 investment projects worth approximately €2.4 billion. However, further exploration is necessary for some deposits, particularly for rare earth metals and uranium.

    The government has outlined plans for 44 projects between 2026 and 2030 that will incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning in geological activities, focusing on six key mining enterprises. These projects aim not only to automate production processes but also to enhance geological exploration through digital transformation. The use of advanced technologies, including digital geological modelling, is already being implemented by major companies like the Navoi Mining & Metallurgy Combinat.

    Furthermore, Uzbekistan is working on a geospatial monitoring system to ensure transparency and accountability in the mining sector. This system will require all mining operators to submit their reports in a machine-readable format, facilitating quicker and more accurate verification of compliance with regulations. The geospatial monitoring initiative aims to prevent illegal activities and ensure adherence to environmental standards, using aerial and satellite technology to monitor mining operations effectively. As of June 2026, information on over 2,000 mineral deposits has already been integrated into this new system, marking a significant step towards a more modern and efficient geological sector in Uzbekistan.

  • Uzbekistan to Establish Project Office to Oversee Steel Industry

    Uzbekistan to Establish Project Office to Oversee Steel Industry

    The Government of Uzbekistan will establish a dedicated project office to oversee the country’s ferrous metallurgy sector, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced during a meeting on the industry’s development.

    The new office is expected to begin operations within one month. In addition, the E-lom electronic platform will be launched in early August to monitor the circulation of ferrous metals across the country.

    The project office will conduct daily analysis of the steel market, monitor supply and demand for raw materials and finished products, and maintain digital passports for steel products. Through the E-lom platform, all transactions involving ferrous metals will be tracked in real time.

    According to the government, the measures are designed to strengthen market oversight, promote fair competition and improve price stability within the sector.

    During the meeting, officials also highlighted the role of the Bekabad Metallurgical Plant, which currently produces around 40% of its rolled steel products using recycled scrap metal, while the remaining 60% is manufactured from imported raw materials.

    The plant receives approximately 700,000 tonnes of ferrous scrap annually. However, authorities estimate that a further 500,000 tonnes of scrap metal remains outside the formal market, underscoring the government’s efforts to improve transparency and bring the sector under greater regulatory control.

  • Central Asia Advances Geological Reforms to Boost Investment and Resource Development

    Central Asia Advances Geological Reforms to Boost Investment and Resource Development

    Central Asian countries are intensifying efforts to modernise their geology and subsoil use sectors, positioning natural resources as a key driver of economic growth, technological development, and regional cooperation.

    In Kazakhstan, large-scale reforms are being implemented under the direction of President , aimed at improving investment conditions, increasing transparency, and accelerating digital transformation across the sector. Authorities have introduced a Unified Subsoil Use Portal, enabling streamlined access to licensing and geological data, while also aligning reporting standards with international frameworks.

    The country continues to expand its geological exploration coverage, which has now reached over 2 million square kilometres. Funding for geological research has increased significantly and is expected to total around 500 million dollars over the next three years. Kazakhstan’s mineral base remains substantial, with approximately 10 thousand deposits and large reserves of gold, hydrocarbons, coal, and iron, alongside growing attention to rare earth elements.

    Minister of Industry and Construction  noted that the sector is undergoing a structural shift as global demand evolves and resources become more difficult to access. In response, the government is prioritising advanced exploration technologies, including remote sensing, geophysical surveys, and geochemical analysis, as well as deeper institutional reforms to strengthen governance and efficiency.

    Digitalisation is also emerging as a central pillar. A unified platform now supports a full digital cycle from application to licence issuance, integrating electronic auctions and online payment systems. These measures are designed to improve transparency and create a more attractive environment for investors.

    Beyond Kazakhstan, similar reforms are underway across the region. In Uzbekistan, Deputy Minister  highlighted a shift toward investor-led exploration models, supported by legislative updates, tax incentives, and simplified licensing procedures. The country is also prioritising the development of critical minerals, including lithium, tungsten, and rare earth elements, with major investment programmes planned through 2028.

    Tajikistan is likewise advancing its geological strategy, focusing on expanding exploration, increasing resource efficiency, and attracting foreign investment. According to Ilkhomjon Oymuhammadzoda, the country has identified over 70 elements and is preparing hundreds of deposits for industrial development, while promoting joint ventures and domestic processing capabilities.

    Across Central Asia, governments are increasingly viewing geology not only as a source of raw materials but as a foundation for broader economic and technological transformation. Emphasis is shifting toward sustainable resource management, deeper exploration, and regional coordination, including shared geological data, joint studies of cross-border structures, and the development of integrated digital platforms.

    This coordinated approach reflects a wider recognition that future competitiveness in the global minerals market will depend on both resource availability and the ability to manage those resources efficiently, sustainably, and collaboratively.

  • Kazakhstan Mining and Energy Companies Deploy AI to Improve Safety and Efficiency

    Kazakhstan Mining and Energy Companies Deploy AI to Improve Safety and Efficiency

    Industrial enterprises in Kazakhstan are increasingly deploying artificial intelligence systems to improve operational safety and efficiency, according to the Ministry of Industry and Construction.

    Several large digital initiatives are currently being implemented at facilities operated by Solidcore Resources. Four major projects aimed at automating safety and production processes are underway across the company’s mining and processing sites.

    At the Bakyrchik mining operation in the Abai region, an automated employee health monitoring system has already been launched. The system uses AI algorithms to assess workers’ physical condition before each shift.

    If the system detects high blood pressure, signs of fatigue or alcohol intoxication, the employee is automatically prevented from performing hazardous tasks.

    Solidcore Resources plans to expand the use of intelligent technologies at its other facilities, including the Varvarinskoye hub in Kostanay region and the Ertis Hydrometallurgical Plant in Pavlodar region.

    One of the upcoming systems will provide real-time personnel positioning, allowing the company to track the location of employees across industrial sites. Workers entering hazardous zones will receive automatic alerts warning them about potential risks.

    Another tool under development is a digital operator assistant designed to support personnel in making operational decisions. The system will recommend optimal technological parameters and help prevent equipment failures.

    By the end of the year, the company also plans to introduce an AI-based flotation monitoring system. The technology is expected to reduce reagent consumption and minimize metal losses during processing.

    Artificial intelligence is also being adopted by other companies within the sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna.

    The national mining company Tau-Ken Samruk is using an intelligent core analysis system that automatically identifies signs of mineralization from photographs of drill core samples.

    Meanwhile, Samruk-Kazyna Ondeu is developing a digital twin of its sulfuric acid plant in Stepnogorsk. The virtual model will simulate equipment performance and is expected to reduce operating costs by 5–8%, lower downtime by about 5%, and decrease accident rates by 2–3%.

    KazMunayGas is also expanding the use of AI technologies through its ABAI digital platform. The company reported that an AI-based waterflood management module helped generate an additional 12000 tonnes of oil production in 2025, delivering an economic benefit of approximately 1.5 billion tenge.

    Officials say the growing use of artificial intelligence across Kazakhstan’s mining, metallurgy and energy sectors is part of a broader push to modernize industrial operations and improve productivity.

  • Kazakhstan Advances National Geological Digitalisation Programme

    Kazakhstan Advances National Geological Digitalisation Programme

    Kazakhstan continues the implementation of a national programme aimed at accelerating the digitalisation and systematisation of geological information, in line with the instruction of the Head of State. The initiative is designed to increase the level of geological exploration of the country’s territory, enhance investment attractiveness, and ensure open access to geological data.

    The scanning and digitisation of geological materials form the foundation for the introduction of modern digital and analytical tools, including artificial intelligence-based solutions. The programme is expected to significantly improve transparency and accessibility of geological information for government bodies, investors, and the professional community.

    To date, 66,180 secondary geological reports have been structured, with access to their first volumes available through the Unified Subsoil Use Portal. This enables users to review the general sections of materials online and free of charge, without the need to visit physical geological archives. Work on digitising secondary reports began in the early 2000s.

    Overall, nearly 4.7 million units of geological information have been digitised, representing 97.5% of the total volume of primary geological data. Of this amount, 2,728,620 units were digitised in 2023–2024, and 1,969,216 units in 2025.

    The total volume of priority primary geological information stored in geological archives amounts to approximately 5 million units. These materials are currently held in paper format, graphic appendices, magnetic tapes, and cartridges.

    The full cycle of geological data digitisation is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, ensuring 100% coverage of archival materials.

  • Kazakhstan Advances Digital Transformation of Geology: 83% of Historical Data Digitised, AI-Driven Big Data System to Accelerate Subsoil Analysis

    Kazakhstan Advances Digital Transformation of Geology: 83% of Historical Data Digitised, AI-Driven Big Data System to Accelerate Subsoil Analysis

    Kazakhstan is rapidly digitising its geological sector as the National Geological Service continues large-scale work to collect, store and convert primary geological materials into digital format — a key step in modernising the management of the country’s mineral resource base.

    According to the Ministry of Industry and Construction, 83% of geological archives accumulated over the past 80 years — more than 3.8 million units of geo-data — have already been digitised. By the end of 2025, this figure is expected to reach 97.5%, with a full transition to digital operations planned for 2026. The result will be a national digital geological information fund, providing fast online access to geological data.

    A central component of the digitalisation programme is the introduction of a Big Data system powered by artificial intelligence, which will be integrated into the Unified Subsoil Use Platform. This system will automate the analysis of geological materials, significantly speed up the processing and verification of historical datasets, and enhance the accuracy of geological interpretation.

    Using optical text recognition and machine-vision technologies, the platform will convert both archival and current geological documents into machine-readable format. Big Data tools will also support the creation of a structured geological database and an intelligent chatbot designed to help users search for and analyse information quickly and efficiently.

    Experts say the digital transformation will provide a stronger foundation for resource forecasting, attract investment into exploration, improve transparency, and enhance Kazakhstan’s competitiveness in the global critical minerals market.

  • Kazakhstan to Launch Electronic Geological Mapping in 2026

    Kazakhstan to Launch Electronic Geological Mapping in 2026

    Kazakhstan will begin creating an electronic geological map of the country in 2026, following a directive from the president. The project will utilise satellite imagery analysis, along with data from aerogeophysics, geochemistry, and other subsurface research methods, enabling a new level of assessment of the nation’s mineral potential.

    Earlier this year, the government allocated funding from its reserve to develop project documentation for second-generation geological surveys at a 1:50,000 scale. This initiative is part of Kazakhstan’s wider effort to digitise geological information.

    According to the National Geological Exploration Service (NGS), more than 2.6 million units of primary geological data—about 60% of the total—had already been converted into digital format by early 2025. Full digitalisation of the country’s geological data is expected to be completed by 2028.

    Officials say the move will make geological information more reliable and accessible, while also enabling the use of artificial intelligence and automated solutions for data processing.