Press release 18 April 2018

Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan

18 April 2018

Press-release

IX Mining and Exploration Forum MINEX Central Asia 2018

MINEX Central Asia Forum started in Astana today. The discussion on Development of Mineral and Raw Materials potential of the Central Asian countries against the backdrop of the growth of raw and financial markets will be a central part of the Forum.

MINEX Central Asia Forum is supported by the Ministry for Investment and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, UK  Department for International Trade, SRK Consulting, Polymetal International, ORBIZ, Kazzinc, Rio Tinto, MICROMINE, Wardell Armstrong International, Seequent, IMC Montan and DMT.

Established in 2010, MINEX Central Asia Forum is the leading event in the mining industry dedicated to development of mineral resources and introduction of advanced technologies for geological exploration, extraction and processing of solid minerals in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and the Republic of Kyrgyzstan.

The key to sustainable development of mining sector is to invest in the renewal of mineral resources base, development of industrial infrastructure, personnel training, introduction of innovative solutions. Modern mining enterprise has to constantly improve efficiency and reliability, while at the same time reduce production costs and provide higher interest to the stakeholders – that is a challenge. The forum is organized against the backdrop of rising commodity markets. Investment indices of the stock markets overlap record figures. Appetite of investors for the IPO-s of mining companies is increasing. Important changes in the legal provisions of subsoil use are taking place. Kazakhstan has recently adopted the Code “On Subsoil and Subsoil Use”, changes and additions to the Tax Code and a number of legislative acts aimed at creating stable conditions for subsoil use and stimulating the development of mining industry. On the base of the International Financial Centre of Astana, an international hub is being built to attract investments in the development of economy of Kazakhstan and other countries of the Central Asian region. In industrial production, there is active modernization going on, aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Technologies “Industry 4.0” are being introduced. Management of “smart” mines with use of artificial intelligence has become a reality. New technologies and methods for accelerated exploration and evaluation of deposits in large areas are coming to geological exploration. All these and other positive factors create favourable conditions for subsoil users and help to realise the huge mineral and raw materials potential of Kazakhstan and the countries of Central Asia.

By 2050 Kazakhstan is striving to become one of the 30 most economically developed countries in the world. The State is taking concrete steps to create a more sustainable development model. In this context, it becomes clear that the best practice of handling mineral wastes in the EU and other OECD countries is of great interest to the mining industry in Kazakhstan.

At the plenary and technical sessions that will be held on 18 and 19 April, Forum participants will openly discuss and present various views on changes in the regulation of subsoil use in the countries of Central Asia; compare existing experience of subsoil use with the world practices; present investment projects and development strategies;  present innovative technologies and solutions in exploration, production and processing of solid minerals;  hold meetings with potential investors and partners; share experiences in improving operational processes throughout the entire production cycle of a mining enterprise – from geological prospecting to reclamation; and also explore perspective opportunities for attracting investments and introduction of innovative technologies to ensure the efficient development of mining industry.

Presentations scheduled on 18 April

09.30 – 10.00 / Forum Opening – Sary Arka 1 Hall

The opening and welcome part of the forum will be conducted by TIMUR TOKTABAYEV, Vice Minister for Investments and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and  Andrew McAllister, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy in Kazakhstan.

10.00 – 11.30 / Session 1  – Sary Arka 1 Hall

The course of reforming the sphere of subsoil use in Kazakhstan.

TIMUR TOKTABAYEV, Vice Minister for Investments and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Green and sustainable extractive sector: Kazakhstan and broader perspective.

AGRIS PREIMANIS, Director for Kazakhstan, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

The main vectors for further regulatory mining reform in Kazakhstan.

MAXIM KONONOV, Deputy Executive Director, Republican Association of Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises

Kyzyl – Project greenfield establishment.

KENBEYIL ISAYEV, Technical Director, LLC “Bakyrchik Mining Venture” (Polymetal Eurasia)

Global Mineral Resource and Valuation Reporting Standards – their Evolution, Convergence and Effectiveness.

MATTHEW MULLINS, Director, Tecoma Strategies / Chairman, SAMCODES Standards Committee

Perceptions of political risk in Central Asia.

LIVIA PAGGI, Head of Political Risk, GPW

12.00 – 13.00 / Session 2 – Sary Arka 1 Hall

14.00 – 15.30 Session 3 – Sary Arka 1 Hall

16.00 – 18.00  Session 4 – Sary Arka 1 Hall