MINEX Forum

Website: Eurasia.com

  • Rio Tinto Enters Negotiations to Avert Strike at Oyu Tolgoi Copper Mine

    Rio Tinto Enters Negotiations to Avert Strike at Oyu Tolgoi Copper Mine

    Rio Tinto Ltd has initiated negotiations to prevent a strike at its Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolia. The potential strike arises from a dispute over worker salaries and benefits. Union representatives and government officials are actively participating in discussions to resolve the issues.

    NGO OT Watch reported to Reuters that workers are demanding wages comparable to those paid for similar work at other Rio Tinto mines. Currently, workers earn a “miserable $1,596 per month for work far from home,” OT Watch stated.

    A Rio Tinto spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to finding a resolution that benefits all parties involved. Oyu Tolgoi is a significant component of Rio Tinto’s copper operations, contributing substantially to the company’s output. The mine is a crucial asset in Mongolia, with significant investments and collaborations with the local government and workforce.

  • Казахстан предлагает новый налоговый кодекс, влияющий на добывающие компании

    Казахстан предлагает новый налоговый кодекс, влияющий на добывающие компании

    Министерство национальной экономики представило проект нового налогового кодекса для обсуждения на портале «Открытые НПА». Ряд изменений в кодексе коснётся деятельности добывающих компаний.

    В частности, нефтяникам предлагается альтернативный налог на недропользование со встречными обязательствами по инвестициям вместо льгот по текущему налогу на добычу полезных ископаемых (НДПИ). Эта мера призвана стимулировать разработку истощающихся месторождений. Компании будут обязаны вкладывать высвободившиеся средства в интенсификацию добычи и социально-экономическое развитие региона, а не направлять их на дивиденды.

    Кроме того, в новом кодексе предусмотрены изменения для геологоразведки. Компаниям будет разрешено относить на вычеты все расходы на изучение недр в рамках внеконтрактной деятельности, а также других контрактов или лицензий. Эта инициатива направлена на снижение всех рисков для потенциальных инвесторов в случае неудачного завершения разведочных работ.

    Министерство также хочет привлечь больше внимания к переработке отходов добычи. Те, кто занимается освоением техногенных минеральных образований, теперь могут рассчитывать на сниженные ставки НДПИ.

    Ещё одно предложение включает временные льготы для тех, кто осваивает новые участки действующих месторождений с низкой рентабельностью.

    В целом, новый кодекс призван сократить количество налогов и других обязательных платежей в стране более чем на 20%.

  • Kazakhstan Proposes New Tax Code Affecting Mining Companies

    Kazakhstan Proposes New Tax Code Affecting Mining Companies

    The Ministry of National Economy has introduced a draft of the new tax code for discussion on the “Open NPA” portal. Several changes in the code will impact the activities of mining companies.

    Specifically, oil companies are offered an alternative mineral extraction tax with reciprocal investment obligations instead of benefits under the current mineral extraction tax (MET). This measure aims to stimulate the development of depleting fields. Companies will be required to invest the freed-up funds into intensifying production and the socio-economic development of the region, rather than distributing them as dividends.

    Additionally, the new code includes changes for geological exploration. Companies will be allowed to deduct all expenses related to subsurface studies as part of non-contractual activities and other contracts or licenses. This initiative aims to reduce all risks for potential investors in the event of unsuccessful exploration.

    The Ministry also seeks to draw more attention to waste processing in mining. Those engaged in the development of man-made mineral formations can now expect reduced MET rates.

    Another proposal includes temporary benefits for those developing new sections of existing fields with low profitability.

    Overall, the new code aims to reduce the number of taxes and other mandatory payments in the country by more than 20%.

  • Kazakh Gold Mining Company to Launch New Ore Processing Facility

    Kazakh Gold Mining Company to Launch New Ore Processing Facility

    Kazakh gold mining company Kazakhaltyn Technology, part of Altynalmas, has announced plans to launch a new production facility for processing gold-bearing ores in the Akmola Region. According to reports, the crushing and screening complex will be located in the village of Aksu, just 18 km from Stepnogorsk, on an 0.8-hectare land plot.

    The facility will feature six conveyor belts with a total length of approximately 210 meters and a two-tier vibrating screen, capable of sieving ore with a double-layer mesh. Additionally, the complex will be equipped with three crushers and a vibrating feeder, necessary for feeding material into the technological equipment. The feeder will have a capacity of 360-500 tons of ore per hour.

    Raw materials will be delivered using dump trucks. The ore reserves will accumulate on a ramp with a turnaround area, from where loaders will transport it into the loading hopper.

    Construction of the complex is set to be completed by November 2024, with operations scheduled to begin in December. The enterprise aims to process around 1 million tons of ore annually. To achieve this volume, 500 tons of sodium cyanide, used in leaching, will be required.

    The facility is expected to operate until the end of 2032, after which decommissioning works will be organized.

  • President of Kyrgyzstan Lifts Ban on Uranium Exploration

    President of Kyrgyzstan Lifts Ban on Uranium Exploration

    President Sadyr Japarov has signed amendments to the subsoil law, thereby repealing the law that prohibited activities related to geological exploration aimed at the search, exploration, and development of uranium and thorium deposits in Kyrgyzstan. This information was reported by the press service of the Presidential Administration. The law was passed by the Jogorku Kenesh on June 13, 2024. According to the press service, the new law removes the ban on activities related to the geological exploration of subsoil for the purpose of searching for, exploring, and developing uranium and thorium deposits in the Kyrgyz Republic.

  • 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.

  • Строительство инфраструктуры на крупном месторождении вольфрамовых руд в Казахстане продвигается полным ходом

    Строительство инфраструктуры на крупном месторождении вольфрамовых руд в Казахстане продвигается полным ходом

    На крупном месторождении вольфрамовых руд, которое располагается в Енбекшиказахском районе Алматинской области, полным ходом идёт возведение объектов инфраструктуры. Подрядчик China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) заявил, что горно-обогатительный комбинат будет запущен до конца 2024 года, передает Kazakhstan Today.

    Строительство на участке началось в мае 2022 года. Как отметил главный инженер проекта из CCECC Чжан Шань Бай, значительную часть работ занял монтаж конвейерной ленты длиной 2 км. Особенность транспортировки руды заключается в том, что после предварительного грохочения сырье будет перенаправляться на дальнейшие этапы по конвейеру, проложенному внутри горного тоннеля. Это уникальный для Казахстана проект по бурению и строительству конвейерной ленты в горном массиве.

    Специалисты CCECC собрали дробильную установку за шесть месяцев. Мощность будущей обогатительной фабрики составит 10 тыс. тонн руды в день. На Богутинском месторождении планируется добывать 3,3 млн тонн руды в год. По прогнозам, после запуска проекта горно-обогатительный комбинат будет обеспечивать более 10% мирового производства вольфрамового концентрата. На втором этапе оператор начнет выпускать паравольфрамат аммония и перерабатывать карбид вольфрама в порошок.

    В прошлом году было сообщено, что проект Богуты получил название «Жетису Вольфрамы». Китайский инвестор Jiaxin International Resources Investment Ltd. пообещал инвестировать в предприятие 450 миллионов долларов.

  • Infrastructure Construction Progresses at Major Tungsten Ore Deposit in Kazakhstan

    Infrastructure Construction Progresses at Major Tungsten Ore Deposit in Kazakhstan

    At a major tungsten ore deposit located in the Enbekshikazakh district of the Almaty region, infrastructure construction is in full swing. The contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), has announced that the mining and processing plant will be operational by the end of 2024, as reported by Kazakhstan Today.

    Construction at the site began in May 2022. Zhang Shan Bai, the chief project engineer from CCECC, noted that a significant portion of the work involved installing a 2 km conveyor belt. The unique feature of the ore transportation system is that after preliminary screening, the raw material will be conveyed through an underground tunnel for further processing. This is a pioneering project in Kazakhstan for drilling and constructing a conveyor belt within a mountain massif.

    CCECC specialists assembled the crushing plant in six months. The future beneficiation plant will have a capacity of 10,000 tons of ore per day. The Boguta deposit aims to extract 3.3 million tons of ore annually. It is projected that once operational, the mining and processing complex will contribute over 10% of the global tungsten concentrate production. In the second phase, the operator will begin producing ammonium paratungstate and processing tungsten carbide powder.

    Last year, it was reported that the Boguta project was named “Zhetisu Wolfram.” The Chinese investor, Jiaxin International Resources Investment Ltd., has pledged to invest $450 million into the enterprise.

  • Tajikistan’s Mining Industry Surges with 18% Growth in Early 2024

    Tajikistan’s Mining Industry Surges with 18% Growth in Early 2024

    Mining output in Tajikistan has grown by more than 18% over the past year. Enterprises in the mining and precious metals industry for the first four months of 2024 produced quantities worth 4.3 billion somonis ($398.6 million), which is 667 million somonis ($61.7 million) or almost 19% more than the same period in 2023.

    According to Muhammadvalishokh Makshulov, a Ministry of Industry and New Technologies spokesman, the demand depends primarily on increasing enterprises’ capacity and creating new directions in their work.

    According to the ministry, last year the company Zarafshon launched a metallurgical plant to produce metallic copper, built on the most modern technologies in the world, thanks to the acquisition of more than $119 million.

    Also, on 5 July 2023, the enrichment plant of TVEA Dushanbe Mining Industry LLC, with a capacity of processing 900,000 tons of ore per year in the Ayni district of the Sughd region, started operating. This company started production at two mines: Kumargi Bolo and Duobai Sharqi. The first mine is located at an altitude of almost 4,000 meters, and the second is at 2,300 meters.

    Last year, with the attraction of $43 million in foreign capital, construction began on the second stage of a metallurgical plant to produce lead, silver, and copper for the Tajik-Chinese mining and industrial company.

    Currently, 21 companies are engaged in the mining and processing of minerals and precious metals in Tajikistan, seven of which are active due to Chinese investments.

    About 12,500 people work in the business of mining and processing minerals and precious metals. Of these, 11,500 are Tajik citizens, and the rest are Chinese.

  • «КазМунайГаз» будет развивать возобновляемые источники энергии на месторождении Тенгиз

    «КазМунайГаз» будет развивать возобновляемые источники энергии на месторождении Тенгиз

    Руководство АО «КазМунайГаз» (КМГ) объявило о планах по разработке возобновляемых источников энергиина месторождении Тенгиз. Этот вопрос глава нацкомпании обсудил с управляющим директором американской энергетической корпорации Chevron Дереком Магнессом.

    По информации пресс-центра КМГ, производство «зелёной» энергии позволит сократить выбросы вредных веществ в атмосферу и увеличить объёмы дополнительной энергии. Кроме того, такие меры дадут возможность высвободить значительные объёмы голубого топлива для внутреннего потребления. В компании также отметили, что в дополнительных поставках газа нуждаются и нефтегазохимические проекты.

    Руководители Chevron и КМГ обсудили перспективы разработки месторождений Карачаганак и Тенгиз, а также помощь, которую корпорация может оказать в реализации нефтехимических амбиций нацкомпании.