Session 4 (MINEX Kazakhstan’24)

Water Management: Doing More with Less.

Groundwater is crucial to support socio-economic development in Central Asian countries. Water is widely used in both underground and surface mining: about 40% in ore processing, about 40% in tailings dams and about 20% in dust control. A 2022 World Bank study warns that Central Asia is warming faster than the global average, accelerating the melting of glaciers – a vital source of water for households, agriculture, energy production and mining. In response to this challenge, the Government of Kazakhstan has formulated a Comprehensive Plan for the Development of the Water Sector spanning from 2024 to 2030. This plan is aimed at bolstering the country's water security and addressing water scarcity issues. Experts will be focusing on the development of comprehensive water management programs essential for maintaining the sustainability of mining and processing industries in the region.