Toronto, March 2, 2025 – At the PDAC-2025 Conference in Toronto, a standout session at the “Meet Kazakhstan: The Power of Geology in the Ninth Largest Nation” forum brought together top experts to discuss strategic partnerships in geological exploration. The panel, moderated by Mr. Kimmo Tiilikainen, Director General at the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), highlighted the increasing global need for collaborative innovation and data-driven exploration in the mining sector.
The session featured a distinguished lineup of speakers including Mr. Yerlan Galiyev, Head of the National Geological Survey of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Mr. Francisco Igualada, Senior Mining Specialist at the World Bank; Dr. Karen Hanghøj, Director of the British Geological Survey; Mr. Hassan Al-Marzouki, Director of Planning and Development at SGS; Mr. Christophe Poinssot, Deputy Managing Director of the French Geological Survey (BRGM); and Mr. Sven-Uwe Schulz, Head of Unit “Evaluation of Mineral Resources” at the German Mineral Resources Agency (DERA).
Key Themes and Insights
Throughout the session, panellists underscored the critical role of high-quality geological data—referred to by several speakers as “Geodat”— in attracting investments and advancing exploration. Mr. Galiyev presented Kazakhstan’s ambitious digitisation initiative aimed at transforming vast geological records into machine-readable formats. This initiative not only facilitates better resource estimation but also enables global stakeholders to easily access and utilise the country’s rich data repository.
Dr. Hanghøj emphasised that modern geoscience must integrate traditional methods with advanced data management techniques to create robust geoinformation infrastructure. “The quality and accessibility of geological data are paramount in attracting investment and driving sustainable development,” she remarked.
Panellists from Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, and the World Bank echoed this sentiment by discussing how collaborative platforms and technology partnerships could streamline the exploration process. Mr. Al-Marzouki shared challenges such as the shortage of data analysts and the need for enhanced digital tools, while Mr. Poinssot highlighted ongoing research into deep exploration technologies capable of probing up to one kilometre below the surface.
International Partnerships and Future Prospects
A recurring theme during the session was the importance of international cooperation. Discussions ranged from the benefits of open data exchange to building integrated value chains that span from raw material exploration to high-tech applications in the energy transition. Mr. Igualada of the World Bank stressed that long-term partnerships are key to unlocking the full potential of critical raw materials, supporting not only mining operations but also the broader economic ecosystem.
The session concluded with a call to action for global stakeholders to invest in the digitisation and modernisation of geological services. As Mr. Galiyev aptly summarized, “Geological success is measured by the data we collect and share. By collaborating internationally, we can ensure that Kazakhstan and the Central Asian region become a vital bridge between established markets and emerging opportunities.”
Looking Ahead
With plans to host a dedicated MINEX Kazakhstan Mining and Exploration Forum in Astana on 9 & 10 April this year for Central Asian geoscience professionals, the session set the stage for continued dialogue and cooperation.
