MINEX Forum

Tag: international cooperation

  • Uzbekistan and Mongolia Plan Joint Uranium Exploration Projects

    Uzbekistan and Mongolia Plan Joint Uranium Exploration Projects

    Uzbekistan’s state uranium company Navoiyuran and Uzbek Overseas Geology Company have begun discussions with Mongolia’s uranium producer Mon-Atom to launch joint geological exploration projects in the country.

    During a visit to Mongolia, the Uzbek delegation held meetings with Mon-Atom’s management to explore cooperation in uranium exploration on prospective sites. According to reports, the partners may begin exploration activities as early as this year.

    A strategic intergovernmental agreement between the geological ministries of Uzbekistan and Mongolia is expected to be signed during an upcoming meeting scheduled for April. The agreement will establish a framework for joint exploration and development initiatives in the uranium sector.

    Following the negotiations, Uzbek Overseas Geology Company and Mon-Atom agreed to proceed with a service contract that will support the preparation of project documentation and licensing materials required for subsoil use.

    At the initial stage of the exploration programme, the partners plan to carry out approximately 60,000 metres of integrated drilling across selected sites. After evaluating the uranium resource potential, the companies will determine further steps for detailed geological assessment.

    The initiative forms part of Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to expand its international exploration activities. Last month, Uzbek Overseas Geology Company launched a two-year geological expedition in Afghanistan, where it is exploring for hydrocarbons, iron and copper across three licence areas.

    Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Geology has also signed a cooperation agreement with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, granting Uzbekistan priority rights to develop hydrocarbon resources discovered during exploration activities.

  • Tau-Ken Samruk and Rwanda’s Ngali Holdings Sign Agreement to Develop Rare Earth Deposits

    Tau-Ken Samruk and Rwanda’s Ngali Holdings Sign Agreement to Develop Rare Earth Deposits

    Kazakhstan’s national mining company Tau-Ken Samruk, a subsidiary of the sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna, has signed an agreement to jointly develop rare and rare-earth metal deposits in Rwanda in partnership with local investment group Ngali Holdings.

    The agreement was formalised during meetings in Kigali between Samruk-Kazyna chief executive Nurlan Zhakupov and representatives of Rwanda’s mining authorities and investment institutions. Participants included Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, Alice Uwase, CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board, and Joseph Butera, CEO of Ngali Holdings.

    According to Samruk-Kazyna, the parties signed a Term Sheet outlining plans for joint exploration and development of rare and rare-earth metal deposits in Rwanda. The cooperation will focus on geological exploration and potential mining projects aimed at unlocking the country’s mineral resources.

    Officials from both countries also discussed broader opportunities for collaboration in the mining sector, including the expansion of geological exploration activities and technology exchange.

    Zhakupov noted that relations between Kazakhstan and Rwanda have strengthened following the visit of Rwandan President Paul Kagame to Kazakhstan in 2025, which helped open new avenues for economic cooperation.

    The planned projects highlight growing international interest in rare-earth minerals, which are critical for modern technologies including electronics, renewable energy systems and defence applications. Through the partnership, Tau-Ken Samruk aims to expand its international mining footprint while contributing technical expertise to the development of Rwanda’s mineral sector.

  • EU and Australia Deepen Cooperation on Critical Raw Materials Amid Western Push to Reduce Reliance on China

    EU and Australia Deepen Cooperation on Critical Raw Materials Amid Western Push to Reduce Reliance on China

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Australian government announced on Monday that they will expand their collaboration on critical raw materials, marking a significant move as Western nations accelerate efforts to reduce dependence on China.

    According to their joint statement, the initiative aims to strengthen financing and development across the entire critical minerals value chain—from exploration and extraction to processing, recycling, and innovation. The announcement comes as the European Union prepares to unveil a broad economic security package on December 3, reflecting growing concern over supply-chain vulnerabilities.

    Despite longstanding recognition of the issue, European officials and industry representatives say that financing continues to be a major obstacle in securing stable access to strategic minerals. Even projects listed as strategic by the EU currently receive no special financial advantages.

    The EIB has already taken steps by forming a dedicated task force earlier this year to boost support for critical materials projects, with plans to double its financing capacity. The new declaration is described as a key step toward enabling the bank to fund mineral projects in Australia, one of the world’s most resource-rich nations.

    International efforts are also intensifying. The G7, chaired by Canada in 2025, has established a Critical Minerals Production Alliance to mobilize public and private investment in fast-tracking production of graphite, scandium, and rare earth elements. Australia has offered G7 members the opportunity to purchase shares in its new strategic mineral stockpile.

    In parallel, the United States and Australia pledged $3 billion last month to support mining and processing projects, while also introducing a price floor for critical minerals—a measure long requested by Western mining companies. Additionally, Canada has secured offtake agreements for scandium and graphite with Australian producer Rio Tinto and Quebec-based Nouveau Monde Graphite, further reinforcing global attempts to diversify supply chains.

  • Kazakhstan and Finland Sign Cooperation Agreement on Nuclear Energy

    Kazakhstan and Finland Sign Cooperation Agreement on Nuclear Energy

    During Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s official visit to Astana, Kazakhstan and Finland signed an agreement establishing cooperation between the nuclear energy regulators of both countries. The document outlines plans for experience exchange, joint research, and potential uranium fuel supply deals. The Finnish government will also consider the possibility of regular imports of nuclear fuel raw materials from Kazakhstan.

    According to Almassadam Satkaliyev, head of Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency, the agreement creates a foundation for more detailed discussions on future volumes and conditions of uranium supplies to Finnish nuclear power plants. He emphasized that Finland holds a leading position in the field of peaceful nuclear energy, boasting significant achievements in operating nuclear technologies and conducting scientific and technical research.

    Finland’s legislation is among the strictest in the world when it comes to regulating the extraction, management, and operation of nuclear facilities. Kazakhstan plans to adopt Finland’s best practices and conduct a joint audit of its own regulatory framework to align national standards with global benchmarks, Satkaliyev added.

  • Kazakhstan and Germany Launch Consortium to Boost Mining and Metallurgy Education

    Kazakhstan and Germany Launch Consortium to Boost Mining and Metallurgy Education

    The second Kazakh-German Week, themed Science and Education: Partnership between Kazakhstan and Germany, opened on September 23 at Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University in Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk), the industrial hub of East Kazakhstan and a cornerstone of the nation’s mining and metallurgical sector.

    A central outcome of the opening ceremony was the creation of the Consortium for the Development of the Kazakh-German Institute of Science and Technology. Founded in 2024 at East Kazakhstan Technical University, the institute focuses on specialized training for mining and metallurgy professionals.

    The new Consortium unites leading academic institutions from both countries, including Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, Kazakh-German University, Freiberg University of Mining and Technology, Ruhr University Bochum, Clausthal University of Technology, Technical University of Dortmund, and the University of Duisburg-Essen. Its mission is to strengthen cooperation in research, academic exchange, technology transfer, and applied projects across mining, geology, rare earth metals, energy, and environmental engineering.

    Industrial leaders in East Kazakhstan, such as Kazzinc, the Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant, and the Ulba Metallurgical Plant, have pledged their support through partnerships in applied science and innovation.

    In a video message, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek highlighted the strategic importance of German universities in developing Kazakhstan’s future workforce. Officials emphasized that the consortium will play a vital role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of East Kazakhstan’s mining and metallurgical industries through the integration of science, innovation, and advanced technical education.

  • Ministry of Mining in Uzbekistan and CNUC Discuss Cooperation in Geology and Mining Sector

    Ministry of Mining in Uzbekistan and CNUC Discuss Cooperation in Geology and Mining Sector

    The Ministry of Mining and Geology, under the leadership of Deputy Minister U. Yusupov, held a meeting with representatives from China National Uranium Corporation Limited (CNUC). The discussions focused on potential cooperation in the fields of geology and mining, including plans for joint geological exploration projects and the implementation of innovative technologies.

    Both parties expressed interest in launching mutually beneficial initiatives and expanding investment opportunities. The CNUC delegation shared insights from their international experience and highlighted their achievements in global projects. The meeting also included an exchange of views on potential collaborative research and further development within the geological sector.

  • Uzbekistan’s Mining Minister Meets Traxys North America to Boost Investment and Cooperation

    Uzbekistan’s Mining Minister Meets Traxys North America to Boost Investment and Cooperation

    The Minister of Mining Industry and Geology of Uzbekistan, B. Islamov, held a meeting with a delegation led by Mark Kristoff, President of Traxys North America LLC.


    During the discussions, the delegation was briefed on Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing its mining and geological sectors. The meeting focused on opportunities to strengthen international cooperation, attract foreign investment into mineral exploration, and improve production processes.


    Both parties expressed mutual interest in expanding collaboration, with emphasis on leveraging Traxys’s global experience and capital in support of Uzbekistan’s resource development goals.

  • Kazakhstan Eyes Russian Participation in First Nuclear Power Plant Project

    Kazakhstan Eyes Russian Participation in First Nuclear Power Plant Project

    Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu has expressed hope that Russia will participate in building the country’s first nuclear power plant (NPP). The statement was made during his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to TASS.

    “We already have over 170 joint projects with Russian businesses, and the NPP construction is among the most strategic. I hope our respective ministries will move forward with the necessary work,” Nurtleu noted.

    The project has strong public support — a referendum held on October 6, 2024, showed 71.12% of Kazakhstani voters are in favor of building a nuclear power plant. Four international companies are currently under consideration to supply technology and lead construction:

    • Rosatom (Russia)

    • CNNC (China)

    • KHNP (South Korea)

    • EDF (France)

    According to Deputy Minister of Energy Sungat Yessimkhanov, the contractor selection will be completed by June 2025. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has previously confirmed that the NPP will be developed through an international consortium, should the public support it.

    The first NPP will be located in the village of Ulken, Almaty region. Preparatory work has already begun, with plans to create an industrial zone, social infrastructure, and to modernize local roads and water supply systems to support NPP operations.

    Speaking at the recent National Kurultai, a major national forum, President Tokayev revealed even more ambitious plans:

    “Kazakhstan will not stop at one NPP. We are preparing to establish three nuclear power plants, alongside the formation of a dedicated Nuclear Energy Agency.”

    The push for nuclear energy comes amid Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix, reduce emissions, and strengthen energy security in the region.

  • Kazakhstan and Japan Expand Cooperation in Critical Minerals Sector

    Kazakhstan and Japan Expand Cooperation in Critical Minerals Sector

    Kazakhstan’s Minister of Industry and Construction, Kanat Sharlapayev, met with representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) to discuss further collaboration in the critical minerals sector. The meeting, reported by El.kz with reference to the Ministry of Industry and Construction, focused on strengthening ties between the two countries in resource exploration and processing.

    JICA, a Japanese government agency specializing in technical assistance programs for developing nations, has been working with Kazakhstan since 2011. Through this partnership, Kazakhstan implemented the State Energy Register (SER), a key tool for monitoring and controlling energy consumption, based on Japanese expertise.

    JOGMEC, which integrates Japan’s former National Oil Corporation and Metal Mining Agency, has been actively involved in geological exploration and mineral extraction in Kazakhstan. In August 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Construction signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with JOGMEC, outlining joint efforts in mineral exploration, mining, and processing.

    During the meeting, both parties explored the possibility of launching new projects in the critical minerals sector, crucial for industrial production and the energy sector. Strengthening partnerships in rare earth metal extraction is expected to enhance Kazakhstan’s investment appeal and introduce advanced technologies in geological exploration.

  • Mongolia’s Mineral Wealth: Balancing Economic Growth and Governance Challenges

    Mongolia’s Mineral Wealth: Balancing Economic Growth and Governance Challenges

    Mongolia is at a pivotal juncture, leveraging its abundant mineral resources to bolster economic growth. The nation boasts some of the world’s largest reserves of copper and rare earth elements, making it a key player in global supply chains. Strategically situated between China and Russia, Mongolia aims to diversify its economic and diplomatic ties through its “third neighbor policy.” Despite its mineral wealth, Mongolia faces significant governance challenges, including corruption and political instability. Recent efforts focus on legal reforms and international cooperation to enhance transparency and attract foreign investment.

    Mongolia’s economic strategy is deeply intertwined with its diplomatic maneuvers, seeking to balance relationships with powerful neighbors and global partners. The country’s mineral sector is a cornerstone of this strategy, driving growth and development. However, governance issues pose risks to stability and investor confidence. Mongolia’s government is actively working on reforms to improve regulatory frameworks, ensuring that its mineral wealth translates into sustainable development for its population.

    The nation’s commitment to international cooperation is evident in its efforts to engage with various global entities and countries. By fostering a transparent and investor-friendly environment, Mongolia hopes to harness its mineral wealth effectively while addressing internal governance issues. This delicate balancing act is crucial for the country’s long-term economic prosperity and geopolitical stability.