Agenda - 18 April 2024

Kazakhstan’s mining sector is advancing its focus on local content, in line with the nation’s Code “On Subsoil and Subsoil Use,” which mandates a minimum of 50% local workforce employment by license holders for subsoil use. This is complemented by the Law “On Industrial Policy,” aiming to boost local content to 60% in regulated procurement. The industry is shifting towards long-term partnerships, favouring off-take contracts and agreements, a strategy that aims to mitigate supply chain disruptions. Additionally, there’s an expectation of a 40% increase in participation by local medium and small manufacturing enterprises due to the localisation of products used by subsoil operators. This evolving landscape necessitates the development of financing practices tailored to off-take contracts, presenting a new challenge for mining companies, financial institutions, and the government. The key question remains: are these entities prepared to adapt to and support this changing dynamic, ensuring sustainable growth and enhanced local participation in the sector?

PROGRAM

Moderator: Tony Thornton, CEO THORNTREE, KCM Advisory Board Member

Session Language: English, Russian (simultaneous translation provided)

Welcome Remarks: 09:00 – 09:05

• Taskyn Koshman, General Director, Kazakhstan Chamber of Mines

09:05 – 09:40 Topic 1: Mining Industry Prospects and Opportunities

Keynote Speakers:

• Michael Douglas, CEO Xcalibur Kazakhstan

Discussion: Explore Kazakhstan’s industrial policies and how they affect the mining sector. Highlight Kazakhstan’s potential in the global mining market to meet the growing demand for metals, focusing on the advantages of strategic policy and infrastructure enhancements.

09:40 – 10:15 Topic 2: Critical Mineral Production and Clean Energy Transition

• Nikolai Kirillov, Senior Consultant Environmental Specialist, SRK Consulting (Kazakhstan)

Discussion: Explore Kazakhstan’s potential in critical mineral production amid the shift towards clean energy, highlighting opportunities for partnership with the EU, UK, and US while considering associated risks and rewards. 

10:15 – 10:55 Topic 3: The current state of the worldwide mining industry and how it relates to Kazakhstan

Keynote Speakers:

• Mr. Tim Barry, CEO Arras Minerals, KCM Advisory Board Member
• Ms. Bizhanova Gulnara, Deputy Chairman of the Board NCE Atameken

Discussion: Examine global and local mining regulations, focusing on their impact on industry operations and investment. Discuss Kazakhstan’s position in the global mining landscape, highlighting its strengths and contributions. Consider future trends and opportunities for the mining industry, with a focus on Kazakhstan’s potential for development and leadership.

10:55- 11:00 Closing Remarks

Session sponsor: Beeline Business

The mining industry’s future hinges on relentless innovation, crucial for reducing costs and enhancing value. The advent of Industry 4.0 is revolutionizing this sector, significantly boosting operational efficiency, productivity, and safety. This technological leap is not just about integrating new tools; it’s a transformative process that redefines the roles of technology in production processes and reshapes job functions within a modernised organisational structure. Industry 4.0’s impact extends beyond mere automation, empowering employees with more meaningful and sophisticated work while aligning with evolving societal expectations. Smart mining’s success thus depends on the strategic implementation of these technologies, ensuring they complement and enhance the human elements of the industry while meeting the demands of a rapidly changing global market.

Methodology for Assessing the Resource Potential of Territories, Targeting and Reducing Geological Risk at the Early Stages of Prospecting: A Combination of Methods of Remote Sensing of the Earth, Geological and Structural Analysis and Verification Prospecting and Reconnaissance Routes

1. Introduction – the general situation in the industry (in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan), investments, geological and investment risks, a few words about digitalization in geological exploration; (D.Agapitov, M.Kunaev)
2. Development of a GIS project – how many layers are needed?  (A.Chitalin)
3. Methods of analysis of detailed satellite images (multi- and hyperspectral (N. Saib), lineament, materials used (D. Sivkov));
4. Geological and structural analysis and verification – what types of studies are sufficient at the first stage of assessment? (A.Chitalin)
5. A set of necessary software with characteristics (N. Saib, D. Sivkov);
6. Successfully implemented cases. (A.Chitalin, N.Saib)

Discussion (moderator M. Kunaev or D. Agapitov)

•  Innovations in Exploration Technologies: New Methods and Tools. 
•  Application of automation, artificial intelligence and other digital technologies in geological exploration, drilling and blasting.   
•  Environmental Aspects in Geological Exploration, Drilling and Blasting Operations: Modern Approaches to Reducing Environmental Impact. 
•  Development and use of software for geological data management: business cases. 
•  Drilling and blasting operations in difficult geological conditions: technologies and solutions. 
•  Ensuring Safety in Mining and Non-Metallic mines: New Standards and Methods. 

In Kazakhstan’s mining sector, adopting international Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards is vital for both competitiveness and sustainable growth. Given that many of these enterprises export to global markets and secure funding from international financial lenders, they face increasingly stringent demands. These include a shift towards green technologies, addressing climate change, and making impactful investments. The session will provide a platform for these companies to share their experiences with ESG practices, outlining their strategies for decarbonisation and the pursuit of carbon neutrality. Experts will discuss current trends and challenges in the implementation of ESG practices and projects, focusing on environmental conservation, social responsibility, and corporate governance. Additionally, the session will highlight the role of new technologies and innovations in minimising environmental impacts and promoting ecological restoration in the mining industry.

• Improving Ore Processing Efficiency utilising Innovative Technological Solutions. 
•  Improving Transportation Efficiency: Analysis, Simulation and Advanced Solutions to Improve Logistics and Transportation Operations from “Mine to Factory». 
• Application of artificial intelligence and machine vision in the mining industry to improve the accuracy of planning and the efficiency of mining operations. 

• Integrated approaches to mineral processing and processing. 
• Geological surveys as a basis for optimising enrichment processes. 
• New methods of beneficiation of refractory and low-grade ores. 
• Energy-efficient recovery of high-value minerals from waste stockpiles and tailings.
• Use of biomass and environmentally friendly materials in enrichment processes. 
• Application of automation and artificial intelligence in the process of ore scanning and enrichment. 
• New Methods of Analysis and Quality Control of Enrichment Process.