MINEX Forum

Website: Asia.com

  • AGMK to Launch First Phase of New Copper Enrichment Plant in July 2025

    AGMK to Launch First Phase of New Copper Enrichment Plant in July 2025

    The Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AGMK) is set to commission the first phase of its third copper processing plant in July 2025.

    This milestone is outlined in Uzbekistan’s 2025 State Program draft, recently published for public discussion.

    According to the document, construction and installation work for the new system utilizing cyclic-flow technology with a transportation capacity of 65 million tons of ore are expected to be completed by May 2025.

    By June, the delivery, installation, and setup of key technological equipment necessary for the plant’s operation will be finalized.

    The first phase of the third copper processing plant will commence operations in July 2025, with a processing capacity of up to 60 million tons of ore annually. This development will significantly boost AGMK’s total ore processing capacity from the current 40 million tons to an impressive 100 million tons per year.

    The ambitious project is being funded through AGMK’s own resources and loans from international banks, with the overall modernization program estimated to cost $4.8 billion. Completion of all related works is anticipated by 2026.

    In addition, AGMK began construction of a fourth copper processing plant in October 2024, marking another step in its strategic expansion.

    This initiative is part of AGMK’s broader efforts to modernize and expand its mining and processing capabilities, reinforcing its role as a key player in the global mining industry.

  • Erdene Resource Development: A Dual Promise of Near-Term Gold Production

    Erdene Resource Development: A Dual Promise of Near-Term Gold Production

    Erdene Resource Development Corp. (ERD.CA) is gaining attention as a standout investment opportunity, combining imminent gold production with significant exploration upside.

    The company’s flagship Bayan Khundii (BK) deposit in Mongolia is on track for its first gold pour by mid-2025. BK’s high-grade, open-pit structure and favorable economics position it as a key driver of Erdene’s growth. With proven and probable reserves of 513,700 ounces of gold and an average head grade exceeding 3 g/t — three times the global average for open-pit mines — the project boasts an after-tax net present value of $275 million (at $2,200/oz gold) and an internal rate of return of 49%. All-in sustaining costs are projected to be just $869/oz, suggesting robust profitability in today’s high gold price environment.

    Exploration in a High-Potential District
    Erdene holds a 50% stake in the broader Khundii district, which it controls alongside Mongolian Mining Co. Over the years, the company has identified several additional gold and polymetallic targets within the district.

    The Khundii region lies within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, known for hosting world-class deposits such as Kumtor (14 million ounces), Almalyk (25 million ounces), Muruntau (140 million ounces), and Oyu Tolgoi (62 million ounces). Ongoing exploration suggests that Khundii could develop into a similarly large-scale gold district.

    Drilling programs across Erdene’s property licenses have consistently delivered high-grade results, and the company expects more market-moving updates as the year progresses.

    Progress Toward Production
    Erdene and its local partner are rapidly advancing the BK project toward construction and cash flow. The company’s ability to pair near-term production with continued exploration success highlights its unique value proposition.

  • Environmental Measures in East Kazakhstan: Reducing Emissions by 20%

    Environmental Measures in East Kazakhstan: Reducing Emissions by 20%

    The East Kazakhstan region is taking significant steps to combat air pollution, focusing on reducing harmful emissions from industrial operations. A comprehensive action plan for 2024-2026 outlines several initiatives aimed at improving the region’s environmental situation. These include the modernization of sulfur gas cleaning systems at the Ust-Kamenogorsk Metallurgical Complex, targeting a 2,200-ton reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions by 2026. Additionally, the construction of the “Hydropolymer” workshop at the Ridder Metallurgical Complex will further reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 714 tons in 2024. The overall goal is to decrease emissions by 10-20% across the region.

  • Экологические меры в Восточно-Казахстанской области: снижение выбросов на 20%

    Экологические меры в Восточно-Казахстанской области: снижение выбросов на 20%

    В целях борьбы с загрязнением экологии в Восточно-Казахстанской области разработан ряд природоохранных мероприятий, которые предполагают модернизацию установок по очистке сернистого газа на Усть-Каменогорском металлургическом комплексе. Эти мероприятия приведут к значительному снижению выбросов серы, что позволит сократить загрязнение воздуха на 10-20%. В частности, будет построен новый цех на Риддерском металлургическом комплексе, что даст возможность снизить выбросы серы еще на 714 тонн в 2024 году. Эти шаги являются частью более широкого плана по улучшению экологической ситуации в регионе.

  • «ВостокУгольПром» модернизирует угольные операции на Каражыре

    «ВостокУгольПром» модернизирует угольные операции на Каражыре

    Компания «ВостокУгольПром», специализирующаяся на оптовой торговле углем, внедряет инновации на угольном месторождении Каражыра. Планируется установка автомобильных весов на 100 тонн и линии фасовки угля в мешки. Этот проект обусловлен растущим спросом на фасованную продукцию и направлен на минимизацию производственных потерь. Общественные слушания по инициативе состоятся 15 января в селе Кокентау Абайской области.

    На промышленной площадке компании размещены фабрика сухого обогащения FGX-24 и комплекс ДСОК-1000, способные перерабатывать миллионы тонн угля ежегодно. Новая линия фасовки позволит выпускать более 700 тысяч тонн угля в год, что повысит эффективность логистики. «ВостокУгольПром» арендует 21,4 тысячи гектаров у компании «Каражыра», среди акционеров которой числятся крупные казахстанские бизнесмены, включая Эдуарда Огая и Владимира Джуманбаева.

    Этот шаг направлен на укрепление энергетической независимости страны и поддержку устойчивого использования угольных ресурсов.

  • “VostokUgolProm” to Modernise Coal Operations at Karazhyra

    “VostokUgolProm” to Modernise Coal Operations at Karazhyra

    “VostokUgolProm,” a key player in wholesale coal trade, will enhance its operations at the Karazhyra coal deposit with the installation of 100-ton truck scales and a coal bagging line. The project responds to rising demand for packaged coal and aims to minimize resource loss. The company operates a robust infrastructure, including the FGX-24 dry coal enrichment plant and sorting complexes capable of processing millions of tons annually. Public consultations for the initiative will occur on January 15 in Kokentau, Abay Region.

    Karazhyra coal is widely used for household, industrial, and energy purposes. To meet diverse needs, over half of the extracted coal undergoes enrichment. The new bagging line is designed to produce over 700,000 tons of packaged coal annually, improving distribution efficiency. “VostokUgolProm” leases 21,400 hectares from “Karazhyra,” whose stakeholders include prominent Kazakh business figures such as Eduard Ogay and Vladimir Dzumanbayev, collectively holding significant shares in the coal market.

    The project’s alignment with modern industrial needs reflects broader economic trends, with “VostokUgolProm” playing a crucial role in ensuring energy security and sustainable coal utilization.

  • Lydian Armenia Secures All Permits for Amulsar Mine Operation

    Lydian Armenia Secures All Permits for Amulsar Mine Operation

    Lydian Armenia has obtained all the necessary permissions to operate the Amulsar gold mine. This was announced by Armenia’s Minister of Environment, Akop Simidyan, during a press conference on January 10. Simidyan highlighted that the company possesses all required environmental impact assessments, including those conducted twice, and sees no legal obstacles to commencing operations.

    The construction of the Amulsar gold mine had been blocked by environmental activists since late 2018. In March 2022, Armenia’s then Minister of Economy, Vahan Kerobyan, mentioned that work on the mine could resume, referencing the ministry’s action plan that included resolving the “Amulsar issue.”

    In February 2023, the Armenian government, Lydian Armenia, and the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) signed a memorandum of understanding to restart the Amulsar project. The agreement involved securing $150 million, with $100 million in credit from the EDB and $50 million from a local bank, and an additional $100 million from the company’s shareholders. These funds are intended to complete the construction and purchase necessary equipment. As part of the deal, the Armenian government received 12.5% of Lydian Armenia’s shares without payment, in exchange for managing certain risks.

    Despite this, over 130 public organizations and residents of Jermuk, a town near the mine, protested against its potential operation in early 2024. They argued that the government’s acceptance of the 12.5% shares ignored democratic values and local community rights.

    Recently, Armenia’s new Minister of Economy, Gevorg Papoyan, stated in November 2024 that the mine’s operation might start in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending the securing of $250 million, with $100 million already found by the company and the remaining $150 million to be raised from local banks. However, the EDB has suspended its financing for unknown reasons.

    The total cost of the Amulsar project is approximately $400 million, with an expected operation period of 10.5 years and an annual gold production of around 200,000 ounces. The mine, located 13 kilometers from the resort town of Jermuk, is the second-largest gold deposit in Armenia, containing about 73,733 kilograms of gold and 294,367 tons of silver.

  • 80 лет первой казахстанской стали

    80 лет первой казахстанской стали

    В 2024 году Казахстан отметил 80-летие со дня выпуска первой стали, что стало символом стойкости и индустриального роста. В годы Великой Отечественной войны в Темиртау был построен Казахский металлургический завод, ставший основой экономики страны. Юбилей отметили встречами ветеранов, культурными мероприятиями и выставками.

    Работы художников, таких как Турсын Абуов и Петр Антоненко, увековечивают труд металлургов. Картины передают атмосферу производства и мужество рабочих, создававших стальную мощь страны.

    АО «Кармэт» продолжает традиции, став крупнейшей сталелитейной компанией страны. После перехода активов от ArcelorMittal в 2023 году компания модернизирует мощности и реализует социальные проекты, такие как восстановление трамвайной системы Темиртау. Сегодня здесь трудятся 35 тысяч человек, а продукция экспортируется в 40 стран.

  • Uzbekistan creates plan for handling spent nuclear fuel

    Uzbekistan creates plan for handling spent nuclear fuel

    Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev spoke about the preparation of a strategy for the development of nuclear energy in Uzbekistan. A comprehensive document has been developed regulating the handling of nuclear fuel, radioactive waste and the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, Trend writes.

    An important feature of the project will be the use of local raw materials for fuel production, which will optimize the costs of operating the nuclear power plant. Comprehensive monitoring of environmental and geological parameters is carried out at the construction site in accordance with IAEA recommendations.

    The first power unit is scheduled to be launched five years after construction begins, with the remaining units to be launched every six months. The project is designed to provide the country with year-round electricity, heat and desalinated water, helping to strengthen the economy.

  • Central Asia Metals Confident About 2025 Despite Mixed 2024 Production Results

    Central Asia Metals Confident About 2025 Despite Mixed 2024 Production Results

    Central Asia Metals (CAML), the operator of the Kounrad copper recovery plant in Kazakhstan and the Sasa zinc-lead mine in North Macedonia, reported mixed production results for 2024 but remains optimistic for 2025.

    Key highlights:

    • Copper Production: Full-year output at Kounrad reached 13,439 tonnes, within guidance but slightly lower than 2023’s 13,816 tonnes.
    • Zinc and Lead Production: At Sasa, zinc-in-concentrate production totaled 18,572 tonnes and lead-in-concentrate production 26,617 tonnes, both slightly below guidance and 2023 levels.
    • Safety Record: Kounrad reported zero lost time injuries, while Sasa had two incidents.
    • Strategic Progress: Significant advancements were made at Sasa, including near-completion of the dry stack tailings (DST) plant, transition to paste-fill mining, and the central decline project.

    Financials and Outlook:
    CAML ended 2024 with a strong cash position of $67.6 million. For 2025, the company targets:

    • Copper: 13,000–14,000 tonnes
    • Zinc-in-concentrate: 19,000–21,000 tonnes
    • Lead-in-concentrate: 27,000–29,000 tonnes

    CEO Gavin Ferrar expressed confidence in achieving 2025 production guidance, citing experience gained during the 2024 transition to paste-fill mining and the anticipated operational launch of the DST plant in Q1 2025.