MINEX Forum

Tag: Mineral Resources

  • Portugal’s Urgent Need for National Exploration Programme Under EU Critical Raw Materials Act

    Portugal’s Urgent Need for National Exploration Programme Under EU Critical Raw Materials Act

    Opinion: Daniel de Oliveira, Head of Department at Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia

    Portugal has long been an active participant in the European Union’s mineral resources policy and geological surveying initiatives. The timely implementation of the National Exploration Programme (NEP) is not just a regulatory requirement under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), but a strategic imperative for maintaining Portugal’s competitive edge in the European critical raw materials sector. The NEP is designed to provide a robust geological knowledge base essential for identifying, assessing, and promoting future mineral resource opportunities. This framework supports evidence-based decision-making for both public authorities and private investors.

    The implications of failing to initiate or execute the NEP are significant for Portugal, encompassing legal, strategic, and financial dimensions. As the CRMA is a binding EU regulation, non-compliance would expose Portugal to legal repercussions. However, the strategic consequences could be even more detrimental. The CRMA identifies national exploration programmes as vital for enhancing geological knowledge and pinpointing occurrences of critical and strategic raw materials. Without a proactive NEP, Portugal risks having a diminished evidence base for identifying and advancing future mining projects.

    Portugal is uniquely positioned among EU nations, boasting recognized potential for critical resources such as lithium, tungsten, copper, tin, and rare earth elements. A lack of systematic geological updates could hinder the country’s ability to contribute significantly to the EU’s ambitious targets for 2030 and 2050. While the CRMA does not explicitly tie funding to the existence of the NEP, investors and project developers heavily depend on innovative, pre-competitive data generated through national exploration efforts.

    The absence of a functioning NEP could lead to several adverse outcomes for Portugal: diminished attractiveness for mineral exploration investments, fewer opportunities to develop projects that could qualify as EU Strategic Projects, and a reduced capacity to engage with European initiatives like the Geological Service for Europe (GSEU) and related critical raw materials exploration initiatives.

    Given these potential consequences, the pressing question remains: how much longer can Portugal afford to delay the implementation of its National Exploration Programme?

  • 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.

  • Gold Mining in Kyrgyzstan: DGML Project Prospects and Risks for Investors

    Gold Mining in Kyrgyzstan: DGML Project Prospects and Risks for Investors

    As the global gold market experiences fluctuations, the demand for gold remains strong, with prices projected to rise significantly by the end of 2026. In this context, Kyrgyzstan is positioning itself as a potential hub for gold mining, particularly with the involvement of Indian investors in the Solton-Sary project by Deccan Gold Mines Ltd. (DGML). This project marks a significant step towards industrial-scale gold extraction in the region, with plans to process approximately 30,000 tonnes of ore in a pilot phase.

    Kyrgyzstan, unlike its neighbours Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, has not been a leading gold producer, but untapped reserves could change this narrative. The Solton-Sary site, while not comparable to the Kumtor mine, holds promising resources estimated at 20 tonnes of gold. The project is strategically important not only for DGML but also for the Kyrgyz economy, which is looking to diversify and modernise its mining sector.

    The Solton-Sary project is situated in the Tian Shan mountain range, an area rich in mineral resources. Historical exploration has revealed numerous gold deposits, and the current geological assessments indicate a wealth of untapped potential. The project is set to benefit from existing infrastructure, including a processing plant that was previously operational under Kyrgyzaltyn, which can handle up to 100,000 tonnes of ore annually.

    However, the project is not without risks. Past experiences, such as those faced by Zhong Ji Mining, highlight the importance of community engagement and environmental considerations. Local opposition to mining activities can pose significant challenges, as seen in previous instances where mining operations were halted due to environmental concerns raised by local residents. DGML must navigate these complexities to ensure the project’s success.

    The Kyrgyz government is keen to bolster its mining industry, aiming for a gold production target of 38 tonnes per year by 2030. The revival of the Solton-Sary project is crucial in achieving this goal, especially as production at Kumtor has decreased. The partnership with Indian investors not only enhances Kyrgyzstan’s export potential but also strengthens bilateral relations, potentially paving the way for further investments in the region.

    In summary, the DGML project in Kyrgyzstan represents a significant opportunity for both the country and the investors involved. With careful management of environmental and social factors, the project could lead to substantial economic benefits and establish Kyrgyzstan as a key player in the Central Asian gold mining sector.

  • Greenland Mines Secures Approval for Sarfartoq Rare Earth Project Acquisition

    Greenland Mines Secures Approval for Sarfartoq Rare Earth Project Acquisition

    Greenland Mines (NASDAQ: GRML) announced on Friday that it has received formal approval from the Government of Greenland, through the Ministry of Business and Mineral Resources (Naalakkersuisut), for the indirect transfer of the Mineral Exploration License for the Sarfartoq carbonatite complex. This approval marks a significant milestone in the company’s acquisition of the Sarfartoq project from Neo Performance Materials for $35 million, satisfying one of the key regulatory closing conditions.

    The Sarfartoq project is touted as one of Greenland’s most advanced and compelling rare earth projects, primarily due to its high-grade deposits and favourable Arctic logistics. Located approximately 60 km from Kangerlussuaq in southeastern Greenland, the project features a carbonatite-hosted deposit that is notably enriched in Neodymium-Praseodymium (Nd-Pr).

    The project is backed by over 15 years of exploration efforts, including more than 23,000 meters of drilling, and carries a historic NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate alongside a Preliminary Economic Assessment. According to the company, the historic resource indicates approximately 27 million kg of Nd oxides and 8 million kg of Pr oxides, concentrated within a zone containing 5.88 million tonnes of indicated material grading 1.77% total rare earth oxides (TREO) and 2.46 million tonnes inferred grading 1.59% TREO.

    Bo Møller Stensgaard, president of Greenland Mines, expressed optimism regarding the approval, stating, “This approval from the Government of Greenland is a fundamental milestone for our company and for the future of Sarfartoq. It reflects the strength of our relationships in Greenland and the confidence the Government places in our team to advance this project responsibly.”

    Stensgaard further emphasised the significance of the Sarfartoq project, calling it one of the most important undeveloped neodymium-praseodymium resources in the Western world. He highlighted that this approval is a foundational step towards establishing a genuine, Western-aligned rare earth supply chain from Greenland.

    Following the announcement, Greenland Mines’ stock surged, closing the day up over 22% on NASDAQ, with the company now holding a market capitalisation of $31.4 million. This positive market reaction underscores investor confidence in the potential of the Sarfartoq project and its implications for the rare earth supply chain in the region.

  • Teniz Resources Secures 39,000 Hectares for Copper Exploration in Kazakhstan

    Teniz Resources Secures 39,000 Hectares for Copper Exploration in Kazakhstan

    Teniz Resources Ltd, a company led by geologist Madina Kapenova, has been granted access to nearly 39,000 hectares for copper exploration in Kazakhstan. The Akimat of the Atbasar district issued three permits valid until 2031, allowing the company to conduct geological surveys and search for copper deposits in sedimentary rocks. The total area covered by these permits is approximately 38,838.7 hectares, equivalent to around 388 square kilometres. The first permit grants access to 14,458.8 hectares in the Sepievsky rural district, while the other two cover 21,645.1 hectares in the Pokrovsky and Makeevsky rural districts, and an additional 2,734.8 hectares in the Sepievsky village district. The permits are set to expire on May 8, 2031, for the first two areas, and June 28, 2031, for the third.

    While the specific mineral resources are not detailed in the permits, Teniz Resources is associated with a project named Teniz — Sediment-Hosted Copper, as noted on the Aurora Group’s website. The company asserts that the Teniz basin is promising for discovering significant copper deposits in sedimentary formations, with surface manifestations of copper identified in at least five priority zones for further study.

    Founded in the Astana International Financial Centre in August 2024, Teniz Resources is solely owned by Madina Kapenova, who also serves as the CEO, director, secretary, and authorised signatory. Kapenova has a strong background in geology, having previously worked at the Zhayrem Mining and Concentration Complex and in various capacities within the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development of Kazakhstan. The ongoing expansion of geological exploration in Kazakhstan is crucial, especially as the country faces the gradual depletion of known mineral reserves. Recent government initiatives aim to auction off 100 mineral sites under simplified rules, highlighting the increasing importance of discovering new deposits.

  • Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan Forge Joint Venture for Geological Exploration

    Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan Forge Joint Venture for Geological Exploration

    In a significant move to enhance bilateral cooperation in the mining sector, the Azerbaijan – Uzbekistan Investment Company (AUIC), Azerbaijan’s AzerGold CJSC, and Uzbekgeologorazvedka JSC have signed a term sheet to establish a joint venture dedicated to geological exploration in Uzbekistan. This agreement was formalised during the 15th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, which took place in Tashkent. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov.

    The collaboration aims to leverage AUIC’s investment capabilities, AzerGold’s technical expertise, and the extensive experience of Uzbekgeologorazvedka JSC. By combining these strengths, the joint venture intends to create an effective model for project implementation that spans from geological exploration to attracting strategic investors and facilitating the commercial development of mineral deposits. This initiative is expected to not only boost bilateral investment but also to incorporate modern technologies into geological exploration processes, thereby enhancing the overall investment appeal of Uzbekistan’s mineral resource sector.

    As both countries seek to strengthen their economic ties, this joint venture represents a strategic step towards improving the mining landscape in Uzbekistan. The focus on modern technology and strategic investment is poised to attract further interest in the region’s mineral resources, potentially leading to significant advancements in the sector. The partnership reflects a growing trend in the region towards collaborative efforts in resource development, which could serve as a model for future initiatives between other nations in Central Asia.

  • Chinese Investor Injects $5 Million into Kazakhstan’s Mining Exploration Sector

    Chinese Investor Injects $5 Million into Kazakhstan’s Mining Exploration Sector

    A new mining exploration company, Zhongjian Hengxin Mining, has been registered at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) with a significant capital investment of $5 million from Chinese investors. The company, established by Jian Zheng, aims to engage in geological exploration and related services to facilitate mineral extraction. This investment marks a notable entry into Kazakhstan’s mining sector, which has been increasingly attracting foreign capital, particularly from China.

    The registration of Zhongjian Hengxin Mining on June 22, 2026, aligns with a growing trend of Chinese companies establishing a presence in Kazakhstan’s mining industry. Notably, the address of the new company has already been home to several other Chinese firms involved in similar activities, including Tianshan Resources, which was registered in June and is also focused on mining services. This trend underscores the strategic interest of Chinese corporations in Kazakhstan’s rich mineral resources, particularly in light of Zijin Mining Group’s recent acquisition of RG Gold, a gold mining company operating in the Akmolinsk region.

    The influx of Chinese investment, exemplified by Zijin Mining Group’s commitment of $600 million towards the development of the Raigorodok gold deposit, highlights the potential for growth in Kazakhstan’s mining sector. As more companies like Zhongjian Hengxin Mining emerge, the collaboration between Kazakhstan and Chinese investors is expected to strengthen, paving the way for enhanced exploration and extraction activities in the region, which is rich in various minerals.

  • Altynalmas Plans 19-Year Development of Karierny Gold Deposit in Kazakhstan

    Altynalmas Plans 19-Year Development of Karierny Gold Deposit in Kazakhstan

    Kazakhstan’s gold mining company Altynalmas plans to develop the Karierny deposit in the Karaganda region over the next 19 years, according to an updated mine closure plan submitted for public review.

    Under the revised mining plan, operations at the Karierny site are scheduled to run from 2026 to 2044. The project is designed to process an average of about 3 million tonnes of gold-bearing ore per year. The deposit covers an area of approximately 4.3 square kilometres and will be mined to a depth of around 200 metres.

    The Karierny site is located in the Aktogay district of the Karaganda region, roughly 100 kilometres east of the city of Balkhash. Infrastructure near the project includes the Balkhash–Aktogay railway line, a 110 kV power transmission line and the Tokrau–Sayak water pipeline. Nearby deposits operated by Altynalmas include the Dolinnoye and Pustynnoye gold fields.

    According to the company’s documentation, all approved reserves at the Karierny deposit will be mined during the project’s lifetime. The mine is expected to produce approximately 43.7 million tonnes of ore with an average gold grade of about 0.9 grams per tonne.

    Based on these figures, the total gold output from the project is estimated at roughly 39.3 tonnes over the life of the mine. At current market prices, this volume would be valued at around $6.4 billion.

    Altynalmas originally received the licence to develop the Karierny deposit in 2011, with the initial contract set to expire in 2026. The revised closure plan likely reflects a renewal or extension of subsoil use rights.

    The project also outlines environmental and post-mining land management measures. Since backfilling the open pit with waste rock is considered economically unfeasible, the site will be fenced to prevent accidents, reduce dust dispersion and stop animals or waste from entering the pit.

    After mine closure, the area could potentially be converted into a recreational water reservoir. Land disturbed during operations will also be rehabilitated to support pasture use, with soil preparation and seeding of perennial grasses planned to restore grazing land for livestock.

    Closure activities are scheduled to begin in 2045, in accordance with Kazakhstan’s legislation requiring reclamation work to start within eight months after the expiration of a mining licence. The company estimates the cost of these activities at approximately $1.8 million.

    Altynalmas currently operates nine gold deposits across Kazakhstan and remains one of the country’s largest gold producers.

  • Strickland Delivers First Resource for Gradina at Rogozna

    Strickland Delivers First Resource for Gradina at Rogozna

    Strickland Metals has released the first Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Gradina deposit at its Rogozna project in Serbia, defining 12 million tonnes at 3.0 g/t gold, equivalent to 1.2 million ounces of contained gold. Gradina is one of four large-scale gold and base metals deposits identified at Rogozna and was the last to receive a formal resource.

    The Rogozna project also includes the Shanac (5.30 Moz AuEq), Medenovac (1.28 Moz AuEq), and Copper Canyon (0.81 Moz AuEq) deposits. Strickland said it plans to publish an updated resource for Shanac in the first quarter following its 2025 drilling campaign, which continues to indicate both bulk-tonnage and higher-grade mineralisation potential.

    During 2025, the company completed its largest drilling programme at Rogozna to date, with 79 holes for 46,737 metres. For 2026, Strickland plans to increase drilling to 60,000 metres, a 20% rise year-on-year. In parallel, the company is advancing internal scoping work and pre-feasibility study scenarios, targeting delivery of a pre-feasibility study in the first half of 2027.

    Strickland acquired Rogozna in July 2024 through the $37 million (€31.5 million) purchase of Betoota Holdings, which owns the project via its Serbian subsidiary Zlatna Reka Resources.

  • Kazakhstan launches large-scale programme to refine geological mapping and resource forecasts

    Kazakhstan launches large-scale programme to refine geological mapping and resource forecasts

    Kazakhstan will roll out a three-year programme of advanced subsurface studies aimed at improving the accuracy of geological forecasting, according to the Ministry of Industry and Construction. A central element of the initiative is the transition to geological mapping at a scale of 1:50,000, which is four times more detailed than the Soviet-era standard of 1:200,000.

    In 2025, authorities approved 20 projects covering a total area of 100,000 square kilometres. During the next stage, around 30,000 square kilometres of the most prospective territories are expected to be studied annually. Funding of 240 billion tenge, or about $500 million, has been allocated for geological exploration of 20 sites, seismic surveys in poorly studied sedimentary basins, and the creation of a digital geological data infrastructure. This represents the largest level of investment in the sector in the past 15 years.

    The programme includes analysis of satellite imagery, aerogeophysical and geochemical surveys, as well as extensive fieldwork. Areas were selected based on declining reserves, the absence of active subsoil users, and strong potential for key minerals. Priority targets include zones prospective for copper, gold, lead, zinc, rare earth metals, barite and bauxite.

    Special focus will be placed on oil and gas potential. Seismic surveys are planned in the North Torgai, Shu-Sarysu and Syrdarya basins, alongside upgrades to laboratory facilities and the digitisation of geological data.

    According to Ulzhabay Ismailov, генеральный директор GeoByte-Info, mapping at a 1:50,000 scale makes it possible not only to chart territories in detail but also to reconstruct geological history, identify ore distribution patterns and better assess exploration prospects. Refining forecast resources in the R3 and R2 categories will help more precisely select targets for subsequent exploration, he said.