MINEX Forum

Tag: Mineral Resources

  • CIS Nations Discuss Subsoil Management at Astana Meeting

    CIS Nations Discuss Subsoil Management at Astana Meeting

    The XXVIII Session of the Intergovernmental Council in Astana marked another step in ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation among CIS countries in the field of geology and subsoil use. With delegates from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and the CIS Executive Committee, the event reflected the region’s interest in consolidating expertise and maintaining a coordinated approach to mineral resource governance.

    The agenda addressed a broad range of issues, from modern methods of geological mapping and digitalisation of exploration processes to youth involvement and the preservation of geological heritage. This breadth indicates an awareness of the multiple challenges facing the sector, not only in economic terms but also in social and environmental dimensions.

    The 28th session of the Intergovernmental Council on Exploration, Use and Conservation of Mineral Resources (Межправительственного совета по разведке, использованию и охране недр) took place in Astana, Kazakhstan on 25September 2025, with representatives from seven post-Soviet states in attendance. The council’s primary objective is to promote cooperation and coordination among its member states in the field of mineral exploration, use, and conservation. However, the session’s proceedings also highlighted the challenges and tensions that arise from the extraction of Kazakhstan’s vast mineral resources.

    The council’s Chairman, Yerlan Esenaliuly Akbarov, emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation and partnerships among member states to address the complex geological challenges facing the region. Marat Mammbetovich Jusupbekov, the Director of the Kyrgyz Geological Service, presented a report on the activities of the council during the 2024-2025 period, highlighting the progress made in implementing joint projects and promoting the development of modern geoscientific methods.

    While the council’s focus on cooperation and technology transfer is a positive step, concerns remain regarding the environmental and social impact of mineral extraction in Kazakhstan. The country’s extractive industries have faced criticism for their environmental record, and local communities have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.

    The council’s discussion on modern methods and approaches to geological research and exploration suggests that the member states are aware of the need to balance economic development with environmental protection. However, the lack of concrete measures to address these concerns raises questions about the council’s commitment to sustainability.

  • Audit Findings on Kazakhstan’s Geological Exploration and Subsoil Use Sector Reviewed by the Higher Audit Chamber

    Audit Findings on Kazakhstan’s Geological Exploration and Subsoil Use Sector Reviewed by the Higher Audit Chamber

    At a session of the Higher Audit Chamber of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the outcomes of a state audit on the utilisation of national resources in the fields of geological exploration and subsoil use were presented.

    📊 Currently, subsoil use contributes over 20% to the nation’s GDP. Kazakhstan possesses substantial reserves of mineral resources, including chrome, iron ore, lead, zinc, copper, uranium, gold, silver and others.

    📌 However, the audit identified several systemic shortcomings in the governance of the mineral resource sector.

    Among these is the high proportion of so-called “paper” resources—estimated but unconfirmed reserves not yet integrated into the economic cycle—particularly concerning as confirmed reserves become depleted. One key factor behind the slowdown in new reserve development is the lack of adequate funding for geological research. Despite the introduction of a licensing framework for exploration rights, investment activity among subsoil users remains low.

    Auditors observed that the Ministry of Industry and Construction had failed to implement initiatives involving the digitalisation of geological data, the creation of a digital database, updating of archives and promotion of private sector engagement. A lack of modern storage facilities poses risks of damage or loss of valuable geological records.

    Due to insufficient oversight by the Committee on Geology and poor compliance by contractors, the government paid 68.2 million tenge for incomplete works related to the digitalisation of geological materials.

    The Ministry of Industry permits amendments to subsoil users’ operational programmes without requiring tax expert review, allowing companies to interpret tax rules in their own favour—potentially avoiding budgetary contributions.

    Amid growing interest in Kazakhstan’s natural resources, demand is increasing for reliable laboratories that meet international standards. The lack of sufficient accredited laboratories weakens the quality control of precious metal and raw material exports.

    Auditors documented 81 procedural violations and 16 systemic flaws.

    As a result of the review, the Higher Audit Chamber issued a set of recommendations and directives aimed at developing the country’s geological exploration and subsoil use sector. Follow-up on these measures has been placed under active monitoring.

  • Uzbek Geological Exploration Advances Across Multiple Sites with Coal, Polymetallic, and Non-Metallic Discoveries

    Uzbek Geological Exploration Advances Across Multiple Sites with Coal, Polymetallic, and Non-Metallic Discoveries

    Uzbek Geological Exploration JSC has reported significant progress across multiple exploration sites, highlighting ongoing developments in the country’s resource sector. At the Uriqli site, part of the Surkhandarya field expedition under the Gissar central geological exploration expedition, coal seams numbered 1 through 6 have been successfully identified as a result of recent mining works.

    Simultaneously, polymetallic ore bodies are under evaluation at the northern section of the Khandiza ore field, while detailed exploration continues at the Vodny Say section. Exploration activities have concluded at the Severny area, where a comprehensive geological report is now being finalized for submission to the State Reserves Committee (GKZ) in 2025.

    In parallel, the field evaluation of non-metallic mineral resources is ongoing at several locations. These include celestine at Chigatai, dolomite at Loilik, gypsum at Shurobsoy, and basalt at Badava. The corresponding exploration reports are also expected to be submitted for review to the State Commission on Mineral Reserves (SCP) within the year.

  • Kazakhstan Launches New Era of Resource Development at 15th MINEX Forum

    Kazakhstan Launches New Era of Resource Development at 15th MINEX Forum

    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.

  • 15th International Mining and Geology Forum MINEX Kazakhstan Kicks Off in Astana

    15th International Mining and Geology Forum MINEX Kazakhstan Kicks Off in Astana

    The 15th anniversary of the International Mining and Geology Forum MINEX Kazakhstan has commenced in Astana, attracting over 100 leading speakers and 450 delegates from 30 countries, including Central Asia, Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia. The participation of global industry leaders highlights Kazakhstan’s growing significance as a key player in the global minerals market.

    The forum’s central theme, “A New Era in Kazakhstan’s Mineral Resource Development: From Exploration to Processing,” addressed critical industry topics such as sustainable development, ESG principles, technological innovation, digitalization, investment, exploration, and cross-border cooperation.

    During the plenary session, Nikolai Radostovets, Executive Director of the Association of Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises (AGMP), emphasized the need for continued reforms in subsoil use legislation and taxation. He noted that the Kazakhstani government is actively working to attract both foreign and domestic companies to geological exploration, with over 3,000 licenses already issued. A second phase of reforms in subsoil use is now anticipated.

    Radostovets highlighted that while the 2017 Subsoil Code initiated industry reforms—introducing a licensing system and establishing CRISCO Association—some issues remain unresolved. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has since stressed the importance of completing these reforms. Currently, the Ministry of Industry and Construction is reviewing over 60 amendments to the Subsoil Code, including proposals from AGMP.

    One key discussion point was the potential division of the Subsoil Code into separate codes for hydrocarbons and solid minerals, as seen in other countries, to address differing industry needs. Radostovets also underscored the importance of royalty rates for new deposits, stating that consultants are evaluating rates to align with international tax standards and encourage higher processing levels.

    Additionally, he called for public discussions on proposed amendments, noting that past legislative gaps in the Water and Land Codes had led to enforcement challenges. A working group under the Ministry will soon review amendments, with parliamentary consideration expected by September 2025.

    Radostovets also addressed the need for investment in coal, despite global shifts away from coal burning, emphasizing coal chemistry development and cluster initiatives for copper and aluminum. He expressed optimism that MINEX Kazakhstan would facilitate progress in the second phase of subsoil use reforms.

  • Kazakhstan Discovers Massive Rare Earth Metals Deposit, Potentially Reshaping Global Market

    Kazakhstan Discovers Massive Rare Earth Metals Deposit, Potentially Reshaping Global Market

    Kazakhstan has uncovered significant rare earth metal deposits during exploration work at the Kuyrektikol site, according to an official statement. The Central Geological Survey Company (Centrgeolsyomka) identified several promising areas with total resources estimated at one million tons, positioning the country as a potential global leader in rare earth elements (REEs).

    Located 300 km southeast of Astana in the Karkaraly district, the Kuyrektikol site features ancient volcanic formations rich in REEs, with the Irgyz and Dos 2 areas showing particularly high concentrations exceeding 0.1%, and in some samples reaching 0.25%. Preliminary estimates suggest 800,000 tons of metals in the Irgyz block alone, with drilling indicating continuous ore bodies.

    Additionally, a newly identified prospective zone, named “Zhana Kazakhstan” (New Kazakhstan), extends the mineralized area and is estimated to hold over 20 million tons of REEs at an average grade of 700 grams per ton. Authorities claim this deposit represents a new industrial type of rare earth mineralization, unprecedented in Kazakhstan.

    The discovery could propel Kazakhstan to the forefront of the global rare earth market, boosting its high-tech industry. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions over REEs continue, as US President Donald Trump recently linked military aid to Ukraine to access to its rare earth resources. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initially rejected such a deal, citing lack of guarantees, but negotiations continue with a revised US proposal.

  • Kazakhstan to Invest Over 7 Billion Tenge in Geological Exploration Over Next Two Years

    Kazakhstan to Invest Over 7 Billion Tenge in Geological Exploration Over Next Two Years

    Kazakhstan has announced plans to allocate more than 7.6 billion tenge from the state budget for geological exploration and mineral resource studies in 2025-2026. According to the Ministry of Industry and Construction, the funds will be used for geological re-evaluation, mineragenic mapping, and deep-level mapping of the country’s territory. By the end of 2026, the geological and geophysical awareness of Kazakhstan’s land is expected to increase to 2.2 million square kilometers, up from 2 million square kilometers in 2023.

    The ministry highlighted Kazakhstan’s significant reserves of manganese ore, chromium, lead, zinc, titanium, and lithium. The country ranks second globally in manganese ore reserves, with 600 million tons, and eighth in iron ore deposits, with 12.5 billion tons. Additionally, Kazakhstan holds 30% of the world’s chromite ore reserves and boasts extensive deposits of lead and zinc.

    Kazakhstan also possesses the world’s largest chromium reserves and is the second-largest holder of uranium. Annual production includes 907.9 thousand tons of manganese ore, 6.1 million tons of chromium, 280 thousand tons of zinc, 110 thousand tons of lead, and 15 thousand tons of titanium.

    In efforts to attract investment, the ministry reported ongoing collaborations with the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, and other nations. Foreign companies are encouraged to participate in subsoil use auctions through a digital state platform. Furthermore, Kazakhstan officially joined the Minerals Security Partnership Forum in 2024, enhancing opportunities for projects and policy dialogues on critical minerals at both governmental and corporate levels.

  • EU Assures Ukraine of Unconditional Support Amid Mineral Resource Controversy

    EU Assures Ukraine of Unconditional Support Amid Mineral Resource Controversy

    European Council President António Costa has affirmed that European Union member states will not seek any mineral resources from Ukraine in exchange for the assistance provided. In an interview with Suspilne, Costa highlighted that the EU has been a major donor to Ukraine over the past three years, emphasizing that this support benefits both Ukrainians and European security.

    Costa also addressed Ukraine’s recent agreement with the United States on rare earth metals, reiterating that Ukraine is a sovereign state with the right to manage its territory and engage in international negotiations. This statement comes amid growing tensions over mineral resources in Ukraine’s relations with the U.S.

    Earlier, former U.S. President Donald Trump had demanded compensation for American aid to Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyyexpressed openness to American investments in mineral extraction during discussions in September 2024. However, Zelenskyy declined to sign a draft agreement presented by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, which reportedly sought rights to 50% of Ukraine’s mineral reserves.

    The White House criticized Zelenskyy’s decision as “short-sighted,” while Trump further escalated tensions by suggesting Ukraine should hold elections and claiming the war could have been resolved through negotiations. Trump also warned of potential consequences if Ukraine fails to reach an agreement with Washington.

    U.S. Representative Mike Waltz echoed these sentiments, stating that the U.S. deserves “reimbursement for its investments” rather than facing resistance from Ukraine.

  • Romanian Government Extends Mining Licenses and Regulates Mineral Deposits

    Romanian Government Extends Mining Licenses and Regulates Mineral Deposits

    The Romanian government has approved key legislative measures to regulate mineral exploitation across various regions, including Alba and Bistrița-Năsăud counties. Among the decisions is the registration of the Dealul Jgheabului and Pârâul Româneasa deposits as state public property, aligning with the country’s Mining Law.

    Additionally, the government extended the exploitation license for the Roșia Poieni mining perimeter by five years, until January 31, 2030. This move allows SC CUPRU MIN SA Abrud to continue extracting copper ore, limestone, and andesite under updated technical and economic conditions.

    Similarly, the mining licenses for dacite exploitation in the Tunel I – Măgura Ilvei and Poiana Ilvei – Măgura Sturzii perimeters have been extended for five years, with the possibility of successive renewals. These licenses, held by Romcim SA, ensure continued extraction activities within their respective areas.

    The license extensions include adjustments to mining royalties in accordance with recent legislative updates. These decisions reflect the government’s strategy to regulate and support mining operations while maintaining state control over critical mineral resources.

  • Tajikistan Backs “Green Corridor” Initiative, Eyes Enhanced Regional Cooperation

    Tajikistan Backs “Green Corridor” Initiative, Eyes Enhanced Regional Cooperation

    Tajikistan has announced its support for the creation of a “green corridor” connecting Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, signaling a commitment to enhanced regional collaboration. In an interview with Report, Jamshed Shoimzoda, Tajikistan’s First Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Resources, highlighted the country’s untapped hydropower potential, noting that only 5% of it is currently utilized. Remarkably, 95% of Tajikistan’s energy production is already green, Shoimzoda stated.

    He emphasized that if Tajikistan’s full potential were harnessed, the energy generated would exceed the combined needs of Central Asian countries by four times. Shoimzoda also praised Azerbaijan’s efforts to establish transport corridors linking Central Asia to Europe, which could enable Tajikistan to deliver its green energy not only regionally but also to European markets.

    Shoimzoda noted that advancements in technology and lower costs have made this project feasible, despite its technical challenges two decades ago. In addition to energy, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan are exploring cooperation in mineral resource development. At a recent intergovernmental meeting, the two nations discussed leveraging Azerbaijan’s experience in this field to support Tajikistan’s burgeoning extraction industry.