MINEX Forum

Website: Eurasia.com

  • Talco Extends non-binding Agreement to Acquire 60% Stake in Eastern Aluminum Extrusion Factory

    Talco Extends non-binding Agreement to Acquire 60% Stake in Eastern Aluminum Extrusion Factory

    Saudi Arabia’s Al Taiseer Group Talco Industrial Company has announced a six-month extension of its non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) to acquire a 60% stake in the Eastern Aluminum Extrusion Factory, located in Dammam. This extension, which will last from August 24, 2026, to February 23, 2027, provides additional time for the completion of due diligence procedures, as stated in Talco’s filing to the Saudi Exchange.

    Founded in 1976, Talco has established itself as a pioneer in the manufacturing of aluminum-related products within Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region. The company currently boasts a production capacity of up to 60,000 metric tonnes per annum, catering to the global market. The initial MoU was signed in November 2025, and the agreement has already seen a previous extension in March 2026.

    Talco’s core business segments include aluminium extrusion and thermoset powder coating, which encompasses advanced polyester and epoxy metal coatings. Additionally, the company manufactures various accessories, such as rubber gaskets and weatherstrips, designed for sealing systems. The ongoing procedures related to the proposed transaction indicate that Talco is committed to expanding its footprint in the aluminium sector, which is crucial for the development of infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities in the region.

    As the deadline for the MoU approaches, industry observers will be keen to see how this acquisition could enhance Talco’s operational capabilities and market presence. The aluminium industry is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing demand in construction, automotive, and packaging sectors, making this acquisition a strategic move for Talco in maintaining its competitive edge.

  • Kazakhmys and CNCEC Consortium to Construct New Sulfuric Acid Plant at Zhezkazgan Smelter

    Kazakhmys and CNCEC Consortium to Construct New Sulfuric Acid Plant at Zhezkazgan Smelter

    Kazakhmys, a leading player in the mining and metallurgy sector, has announced a significant development in its operations with the signing of an agreement with a consortium from the China National Chemical Engineering Company (CNCEC) to construct a new sulfuric acid plant at its Zhezkazgan copper smelter in Kazakhstan. The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract is valued at approximately $213.76 million, marking a substantial investment in the modernization of the facility.

    The decision to build the new sulfuric acid plant is part of a broader initiative aimed at modernizing the Zhezkazgan copper smelter and aligning it with contemporary environmental standards. The existing metallurgical gas utilization infrastructure, which dates back to the 1970s, is in dire need of technological upgrades. The project will not only involve the construction of the new production facility but also the modernization of the process gas capture and purification system, which will include the installation of advanced equipment such as converter enclosures, cooling towers, and electrostatic precipitators.

    One of the key goals of this project is to enhance the efficiency of gas capture, with expectations that the new system will achieve a capture rate of 99%. Furthermore, the residual sulfur dioxide concentration in the treated gases will meet the stringent requirements outlined in the international Best Available Techniques Reference Documents (BREF), significantly reducing SO₂ emissions and the overall environmental impact of the Zhezkazgan smelter.

    The new sulfuric acid plant is designed to have a production capacity of 350,000 tons per year and will be capable of processing up to 300,000 normal cubic meters of process gases per hour. The commissioning of the plant is tentatively scheduled for 2028, with full-scale mobilization and preparatory work expected to commence by the end of 2026. The construction and installation phase is projected to take around 29 months.

    This initiative is a crucial part of Kazakhmys’ long-term modernization program for the Zhezkazgan copper smelter, aimed at improving the reliability of the gas purification system and ensuring compliance with modern environmental regulations. Kazakhmys Group, known for its vertically integrated operations in mining and non-ferrous metallurgy, ranks among the top producers globally, holding the 20th position in copper-in-concentrate production and 12th in blister and cathode copper production, according to the company’s website.

  • Azerbaijan’s Mining Sector: A New Catalyst for Non-Oil Exports

    Azerbaijan’s Mining Sector: A New Catalyst for Non-Oil Exports

    Azerbaijan’s mining sector is increasingly becoming a significant contributor to the country’s non-oil exports, as evidenced by the latest trade data from the first half of 2026. The country reported a remarkable $202.2 million in primary non-oil gold exports, alongside substantial figures for raw copper concentrate at $135.9 million and aluminum products at $58.9 million. However, a crucial detail in the trade report indicates that the gold exports exclude monetary gold, which has led to some misconceptions regarding the relationship between gold imports by the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) and the country’s export figures.

    The distinction between monetary and non-monetary gold is vital for understanding Azerbaijan’s economic landscape. Monetary gold, held as a reserve by central banks and sovereign wealth funds, does not impact the current account but rather the financial account of the balance of payments. In contrast, non-monetary gold, which is mined and sold on international markets, is reflected in the trade statistics. The $202.2 million in gold exports is attributed to local mining operations rather than SOFAZ’s reserve strategies.

    Key players in this burgeoning mining sector include Anglo Asian Mining PLC and AzerGold CJSC. Anglo Asian Mining has been active in Azerbaijan since the mid-2000s, expanding its operations in the Gadabay and Gosha fields, while AzerGold focuses on the Chovdar mine and other extraction sites. The increase in copper exports, which surged from $12.3 million in H1 2025 to $135.9 million in H1 2026, underscores the growth of the domestic mining industry, driven by enhanced production capabilities and favourable international prices.

    The implications of these developments extend beyond mere export figures. Traditionally reliant on agricultural exports, Azerbaijan is witnessing a shift as mining gains prominence in its non-oil export strategy. The combined revenue from gold, copper, and aluminum reached $397 million in just six months, signalling a potential transformation in the country’s economic focus.

    Furthermore, the geographic aspect of mining development aligns with Azerbaijan’s broader reconstruction strategy, particularly in areas bordering the liberated territories. As geological surveys and mining activities expand into these regions, the contribution of the mining sector to non-oil exports is expected to grow even further in the coming years, despite fluctuations in global commodity prices.

  • Azerbaijan Aims to Elevate Aluminum Industry Through Strategic Partnerships

    Azerbaijan Aims to Elevate Aluminum Industry Through Strategic Partnerships

    Azerbaijan is positioning its aluminum industry as a cornerstone of its industrial diversification strategy, particularly through recent discussions with China’s Xinjiang Joinworld Co., Ltd. While Azerbaijan already boasts an established aluminum sector, led by Azeraluminium as the only primary aluminum producer in the South Caucasus, the focus of these talks extends beyond mere production increases. The discussions aim to leverage foreign technology, investment, and expertise to enhance the existing industrial capacity, thereby elevating the country’s position in the global industrial value chain.

    Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov highlighted that the collaboration with Xinjiang Joinworld is centred on joint projects that incorporate modern technologies and innovative solutions. This approach signifies a shift from merely increasing aluminum output to developing advanced capabilities that can produce higher-value products. The potential for Azerbaijan lies in transforming raw aluminum into products such as sheets, rolled products, and specialized alloys, which can significantly boost industrial value compared to exporting basic aluminum.

    Azerbaijan’s existing foundation for this expansion includes previous modernization efforts aimed at increasing production capacity and developing rolled aluminum products. Past collaborations with German technology partners have also focused on enhancing production and processing capabilities. The ongoing discussions with Chinese firms, including Wanji and Sunstone, indicate a strategic exploration of various segments within the Chinese industrial ecosystem, rather than a singular investment focus.

    The benefits of these partnerships extend beyond foreign capital; technology transfer is crucial. Modern metallurgical production demands sophisticated equipment and process management, and partnerships with experienced international companies can expedite the development of these capabilities domestically. Additionally, Azerbaijan has already established aluminum as a significant non-oil export, with over 40,500 tons exported in 2022, valued at $114 million. The country is now aiming to shift towards higher-value processed products.

    This strategy aligns with Azerbaijan’s broader economic diversification goals, utilising its strengths in energy, infrastructure, and logistics to create new revenue streams. Given that aluminum production is energy-intensive, Azerbaijan’s energy resources offer a competitive edge. The country’s strategic location along the Middle Corridor, which connects China and Europe, further enhances its potential as a manufacturing hub for regional markets, including Türkiye and Central Asia.

    The development of the Western Industrial Park underscores Azerbaijan’s commitment to deeper processing and stronger connections between raw material extraction and manufacturing. However, while discussions with Xinjiang Joinworld are promising, concrete details regarding investment size, production capacity, and timelines are still pending. The true economic impact will only be realised if these discussions culminate in a tangible joint venture and production plan.

    Ultimately, the key question for Azerbaijan is not why it needs China, but how it can synergise its existing industrial base with international technology and investment to produce more sophisticated and valuable aluminum products. This could mark a significant evolution in Azerbaijan’s aluminum narrative, transforming it into a vital player in the global market.

  • EU’s Strategic Investment in Critical Raw Materials: A Pathway to Economic Security and Enlargement

    EU’s Strategic Investment in Critical Raw Materials: A Pathway to Economic Security and Enlargement

    The European Union (EU) is urged to link its economic security objectives with its enlargement strategy through strategic investments in critical raw materials (CRM) projects. This approach aims to achieve dual goals: enhancing the EU’s economic security while fostering development in enlargement partners. To ensure the success of these projects, public financing is deemed essential, alongside strict adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, as well as governance reforms in partner countries. While these initiatives may not eliminate the EU’s critical dependencies immediately, they are viewed as long-term investments crucial for the EU’s economic stability.

    The EU’s commitment to high standards is positioned as a means to maintain its credibility as a transformative actor in the region, countering narratives of neo-colonialism. The EUISS  study highlights the competitive landscape, noting that China has already established a significant presence in the Western Balkans’ mining sector, particularly through Zijin Mining’s control of major copper deposits in Serbia. Meanwhile, the US is expanding its mining interests in Ukraine, including the Dobra lithium project. The article warns that a short-sighted approach could lead to strategic failures for the EU.

    Moreover, the EU is encouraged to support projects that develop localized value chains, integrating mining, clean processing, advanced manufacturing, and recycling. This strategy aims to foster sustainable development in enlargement partners, moving beyond mere resource extraction to broader industrial development. The EU-Ukraine Strategic Partnership on Raw Materials, initiated in 2021, serves as a foundation for this approach, with an emphasis on localizing key stages of production to enhance value creation.

    Investing in local value chains is presented as a means to counter perceptions that the EU seeks to exploit partner societies for its own gain. By demonstrating that CRM partnerships can lead to sustainable development and shared economic security, the EU can strengthen its position in the region. The article also points out the importance of addressing processing monopolies held by external actors, which could leave Europe reliant on third parties despite increased extraction capacities.

    The EUISS  study concludes by reiterating that both economic security and enlargement are strategic objectives that must be approached with foresight. Given that new mines typically take over 16 years to reach production, the focus should be on long-term outcomes. Support for strategic CRM projects should be integrated into broader governance reform efforts, ensuring that the same standards of transparency and environmental protection that apply within the EU are upheld in partner countries. Only through this comprehensive approach can CRM partnerships bolster Europe’s economic security and the rationale for enlargement.

  • MINEX Europe 2026 Brochure

    MINEX Europe 2026 Brochure

    The 10th MINEX Europe Mining and Exploration Forum will take place on 28-30 October 2026 in Trim, Ireland – a short distance from Dublin Airport.

    The Forum and Industry exhibition will take place on 27-29 October 2026 at the Knightsbrook Hotel Spa and Golf Resort.

    On 30 October, the Forum participants will be offered an opportunity to visit Tara Mine – one of Europe’s largest mines operated by Boliden, producing zinc and lead concentrates for the European market.

    Europe needs critical raw materials. But it also needs trust, investment, processing capacity and projects that can move forward responsibly. MINEX Europe Forum 2026 is the meeting place for leaders shaping the next phase of Europe’s mineral future.

    Central thesis

    Europe is learning that passing legislation is not the same thing as rebuilding an industry. The Critical Raw Materials Act, launched in 2024, promised faster permitting – 27 months for extraction, 15 for processing – and bold 2030 targets for domestic mining, refining and recycling. On paper, it looked like Europe’s industrial reset. Progress remains uneven. Projects are not built by regulation alone. They are built where markets work, communities’ consent, energy is competitive and trust is earned. Finland – already one of the EU’s most mining‑friendly jurisdictions – has advanced lithium projects, but this reflects Finland’s existing institutional culture more than a continental shift. Elsewhere, Europe’s most high‑profile lithium project in Serbia became a political flashpoint, stalled by public opposition. Serbia is not in the EU, but the signal to global investors was unmistakable. The deeper issue isn’t geology. It is legitimacy.
    Europe can tighten controls on aluminium scrap exports to keep feedstock inside the bloc in the name of circularity and security, yet high energy and regulatory costs still make recycling in Europe structurally uncompetitive in many cases. Markets respond to price signals, not declarations. So, we live with a contradiction: Europe wants electrification, re‑industrialisation and strategic autonomy – but mining still lacks moral legitimacy in the public imagination. Europe doesn’t lack minerals; it lacks social licence. Until that changes, no permitting timeline written in Brussels will materially shift outcomes on the ground.
    MINEX Europe 2026 positions itself precisely at this junction between law, legitimacy and investment. Recently, the EU appointed a special envoy in the European Parliament to reopen parts of the CRMA, an act some see as political theatre and others as recognition that the core challenge is narrative, not spreadsheets.
    The Forum in Trim will focus its agenda on the missing pieces: how the mineral-rich European jurisdictions like Ireland can turn strong policy into trusted practice; how companies, communities and policymakers can rebuild mining’s moral legitimacy; and how Europe can turn its industrial ambitions into bankable projects that are not only investable and sustainable, but seen by citizens as essential.

  • Kazakhstan at the Centre of New Uranium Shortage Amid Rising Demand for Nuclear Energy

    Kazakhstan at the Centre of New Uranium Shortage Amid Rising Demand for Nuclear Energy

    Kazakhstan has emerged as a pivotal player in the global uranium market, currently facing a significant shortage of this critical mineral due to an upsurge in demand driven by renewed interest in nuclear energy. Anna Bryndza, Executive Vice President for International Affairs at the pricing agency UxC, discussed the complexities surrounding uranium extraction during a recent podcast with World Nuclear News (WNN). She highlighted that uranium mining remains one of the most challenging phases of the nuclear fuel cycle, compounded by supply disruptions, geopolitical risks, trade sanctions, construction delays, and rising production costs.

    Kazakhstan is responsible for approximately 40% of the world’s natural uranium oxide production, serving as a stable source of this energy resource for nuclear power plants in countries such as the USA, Russia, France, India, and China. Bryndza noted that the current deficit in uranium supply will not be resolved quickly, as new capacities are required across all sectors of the nuclear fuel market. The industry is responding to clear price signals, indicating a pressing need for timely operationalisation of new capacities to meet forecasted demand.

    Recent announcements from companies engaged in the nuclear fuel cycle, including Orano, Urenco, and Solstice, regarding major production expansion projects, have been viewed positively. However, there is a cautious approach to increasing supply, influenced by past experiences, particularly the long-lasting effects of the Fukushima disaster, which severely disrupted supply chains. Suppliers are now meticulously planning their expansion rates to ensure they align with actual demand rather than mere signals.

    Since the early 2010s, Kazakhstan has been ramping up uranium production, but the market faced a downturn following the Fukushima incident in 2011. Production levels from 2015 to 2024 fluctuated between 19,500 and 24,700 tonnes, with Kazatomprom and its affiliates aiming to produce between 27,500 and 29,000 tonnes this year, up from 25,800 tonnes last year. The peak of low-cost uranium production in Kazakhstan is expected to occur in the early 2030s.

    Bryndza also pointed out that recent geopolitical events have shifted the perception of nuclear energy and uranium supply towards national security concerns. This has led to government policies aimed at ensuring domestic capabilities, particularly regarding high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), which is becoming increasingly important for the next generation of small modular reactors. Currently, there is no established market for HALEU, and significant gaps must be addressed to create a viable supply chain.

    UxC, known for its price information services, has been publishing uranium price indicators for over three decades. The agency’s approach to pricing aims to encompass a broad range of market participants, facilitating collective decision-making and enhancing the effectiveness of price indicators. Despite Kazakhstan’s status as a leading uranium producer, global prices for this critical mineral are set abroad, raising questions about how UxC’s pricing impacts Kazatomprom’s revenues and tax contributions to the state.

  • China’s Ambitious Plans for a New Gold Hub in Hong Kong

    China’s Ambitious Plans for a New Gold Hub in Hong Kong

    This summer marked a significant shift in the global gold market as Hong Kong initiated trial trading under a new centralized settlement system for precious metals. This development is poised to alter the dynamics of gold trading worldwide, as China continues to establish a sovereign mechanism for trading and settling transactions in physical gold. In January 2026, the Hong Kong government and the Shanghai Gold Exchange signed a cooperation agreement to create a government-owned entity, the Hong Kong Precious Metals Centralized Settlement Company, known as ‘Gondzin Settlements’. This system offers a comprehensive range of gold-related services, from the deposit and withdrawal of physical gold to the settlement of transactions, including over-the-counter deals.

    The Gondzin Settlements system is seamlessly integrated with a network of certified vaults, allowing for efficient management of both cash balances and physical gold operations. A massive certified vault capable of holding 2,000 tonnes of gold is set to be constructed in Hong Kong, significantly surpassing the UK’s gold reserves, which were approximately 310 tonnes this spring. Establishing such a vault is a complex task, requiring robust physical security and risk management systems, but China appears undeterred.

    The urgency of establishing a gold hub in Hong Kong has been amplified by recent geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf, which has threatened the stability of existing gold trading hubs in the United Arab Emirates. Experts suggest that the creation of the Hong Kong gold hub is part of a long-term strategy by Beijing to enhance the yuan’s status as a global reserve currency, backed by physical gold, reminiscent of the Bretton Woods system.

    Interestingly, the recent five-year socio-economic development plan for Hong Kong, which extends to 2030, notably omits any mention of the gold hub, raising questions about its future integration into the broader economic strategy. The system also offers clients the option to operate through ‘unallocated’ accounts, allowing for faster transactions without the need to physically move gold bars.

    In partnership with the Shanghai Gold Exchange, the ‘Delivery Connect’ service has been launched to facilitate cross-border transactions and gold movement between Hong Kong and mainland China. The Gondzin Settlements has become an international member of the Shanghai Gold Exchange, enabling market participants to store physical gold in designated warehouses in Hong Kong, ensuring its free movement.

    China is effectively creating its own ecosystem for precious metal trading, attracting participation from major global banks, including JPMorgan, HSBC, and UBS. One potential outcome of this system is the decoupling of gold prices from the traditional London fixing, which has been dominated by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) for the past decade. The Hong Kong hub is being positioned as an alternative to London, with the potential to establish its own pricing mechanism if it achieves sufficient trading volumes.

    The status of ‘Good Delivery’, a standard set by the LBMA for gold and silver bars, is also a topic of interest. Currently, only bars from refineries with Good Delivery status are accepted in the new Chinese system, but there is potential for Gondzin Settlements to develop its own standards in the future. This ambitious Chinese initiative increases the demand for gold imports, particularly from Russia, which has seen a significant rise in gold exports to Hong Kong, from under $1 billion in 2022 to $10.8 billion last year. This trend not only reflects rising gold prices but also growing physical volumes.

    The establishment of the Hong Kong gold hub opens up new avenues for Russian companies and banks, particularly in circumventing sanctions through alternative payment methods. Despite Western threats of secondary sanctions, China has not turned away from Russian gold, indicating a complex interplay of geopolitical and economic factors that will shape the future of the global gold market.

  • MINEX Asia 2026 – Türkiye’s Mining Vision: Export Growth & Strategic Autonomy

    MINEX Asia 2026 – Türkiye’s Mining Vision: Export Growth & Strategic Autonomy

    Plenary Session 1 – Türkiye’s Mining Vision: Export Growth & Strategic Autonomy

    Background

    Driven by a state target to scale solar and wind capacity to 120 gigawatts by 2035, Türkiye is pivoting from a traditional exporter of raw minerals into a high-value midstream refining hub. This structural shift moves beyond the historical “dig-and-ship” model, prioritising domestic value-chain integration and technological sovereignty. The cornerstone of this ambition is the world-class Beylikova rare earth elements (REE) project in Eskişehir.

    Key themes

    Downstream Industrialisation: Mandating local, midstream refining to ensure raw geological wealth is directly converted into high-value manufacturing inputs.
    Geopolitical Integration: Positioning Türkiye as a secure, ESG-compliant partner bridging Western supply chains with Eurasian mineral wealth.
    Regulatory Streamlining: Centralising ministerial oversight to accelerate strategic permitting while ensuring strict alignment with international standards like the EU Green Deal.

    Moderator

    Busra Sofu
    Senior Mining Engineer – Advisory
    SLR Consulting

    Speakers:

    Critical Mineral Needs and Turkey’s Mining Perspective in Light of Energy Transition and Digitalisation
    Ibrahim Halil Kirsan
    TOBB Turkey Mining Council President, ÇIFTAY Board Member
    Mining Council, TOBB, ÇİFTAY

    Why Invest in Türkiye?
    Özkan Özkardeş
    Project Manager
    Invest in Türkiye

    Türkiye’s Mining Vision: Export Growth & Strategic Autonomy
    Ahmet Serkan Saritaş
    Deputy General Manager – Technical
    Türk Gold Corp.

    What should be the changes in Turkey’s mining legislation and the fundamental principles of national mining policy?
    Ayhan Yüksel
    Chairman of the Board of Directors
    Chamber of Mining Engineers of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB)

    The Role of Geochemical and Metallurgical Laboratories in End-to-End Data Generation Across the Mining Value Chain
    Abdullah Buhur
    Deputy General Manager, Laboratory Services
    ARGETEST

    Türkiye’s R&D and Production Vision in the Rare Earth Elements Ecosystem
    Hüseyi̇n Çaldırak
    Group Manager | Senior Researcher
    Turkish Energy, Nuclear And Mineral Research Agency | Rare Earth Elements Research Institute

     


    #TurkeyMining #CriticalMinerals #RareEarthElements #EnergyTransition #MiningIndustry #StrategicAutonomy #SustainableMining

  • Investment Programme Advances at Nurkazgan Mine with New Infrastructure Developments

    Investment Programme Advances at Nurkazgan Mine with New Infrastructure Developments

    The Nurkazgan mine’s Western section is undergoing significant advancements as part of its investment programme aimed at enhancing production infrastructure and improving extraction efficiency. A key milestone in this initiative is the construction of a crushing and conveyor complex, along with ore pass No. 16, located at a depth of -140 metres. This project is set to facilitate the continued extraction of lower levels of the deposit and enable the transition to continuous ore transportation to the surface. Over 8.4 billion tenge will be allocated for the creation of this autonomous infrastructure network across various levels of the mine.

    The majority of the funding, exceeding 6 billion tenge, is earmarked for the construction of the crushing and conveyor complex at the -140 metre level, which is expected to commence operations by the end of 2026. The remaining funds will support the establishment of a service base, which will be relocated underground to optimise processes. Plans for 2027 include the commissioning of an underground explosives storage facility with a capacity of 30 tonnes at the 0 metre level, alongside the launch of a repair station. By 2028, the construction of a refuelling station at the -60 metre level is anticipated to be completed.

    The necessity for extensive modernisation stems from the progressive shift of mining operations to deeper levels of the mine, and subsequently, the development of the Eastern section of the Nurkazgan deposit. As part of the project, builders are excavating conveyor drifts, transfer chambers, and crushing chambers, where technological equipment will soon be installed. The rock mass will be transported by load-haul-dump (LHD) machines over minimal distances and dropped into the ore pass, where a crushing complex will be installed to process large rock blocks.

    A significant advantage of this project is its execution by the Corporation’s own resources. All phases of the work are being carried out by internal specialised divisions and relevant services, ensuring a high level of coordination, quality of work, prompt resolution of emerging issues, and effective use of internal resources. The management, coordination, and support of the project are overseen by the Capital Production Projects Department. Construction and installation work is being performed by the G. Omarov Shaft Construction Trust, while the installation of conveyor equipment is managed by the Repair and Mechanical Specialised Management. The manufacturing of technological equipment and metal structures is provided by Maker LLP. Quality control of mechanical and electrical work is conducted by the respective services of the chief mechanic and chief energy specialist of Nurkazgan TKO.

    Crushed ore will be fed into a new conveyor cascade with a total length of 844 metres. With a belt width of 1200 mm and a speed of 3.5-4 m/s, the system will ensure the continuous lifting of 1200 tonnes of ore per hour to a height of nearly 100 metres. At this point, the complex will connect with the existing main conveyor 3.2. The scheme includes the physical extension of the existing mainline and the phased augmentation of current main conveyors, creating a seamless transport artery for delivering ore from the depths of the mine directly to the processing plant.

    In addition to direct economic benefits and reduced fleet maintenance costs, the project enhances workplace safety. The automation of processes for moving large volumes of rock mass will completely remove personnel from potentially hazardous areas of underground mining. The implementation of these engineering solutions will ensure uninterrupted ore delivery, improve production efficiency, and establish a reliable foundation for the sustainable operation and long-term development of the Nurkazgan mine.