Thursday, 20 April

Central Asia is emerging as a global mining powerhouse, endowed with abundant rare earth metals and critical materials essential for the energy transition. Leading mining companies in the region are leveraging cutting-edge technologies and data-driven insights to optimise operations, enhance efficiency, prioritise sustainability, and navigate challenges, showcasing Central Asia as a frontrunner in the global mining landscape.

Trade and economic ties between Sweden and Central Asian countries are actively developing. One of the priorities for intensifying cooperation is the reproduction of critical metals and minerals in the region to meet the needs of the European economy. In 2022, the EU and Kazakhstan signed an agreement on cooperation in this area. In addition to direct investment, the roadmap proposes intensification of technological & R&D cooperation. In 2023, Uzbekistan expressed its readiness for active participation in the EU’s “Critical Minerals Club” as well as addressing water resource management issues and the advancement of alternative energy production. The session will examine case studies and development plans for partnerships between Sweden and Central Asian nations, as well as introduce new cooperation opportunities with the major Swedish companies.   

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Planning.
• Water Management and Conservation Strategies.
• Innovative reclamation methods and rehabilitation practices to restore and repurpose mined lands, promoting biodiversity and ecological recovery.
• Innovative Technologies for Environmental Monitoring and Management.
• Integration of renewable energy sources (solar, wind) to power mining operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and lessening the carbon footprint of the sector.
• Community Engagement and Social Responsibility.
• Analysing the efficiency of existing tailings management practices and exploring cutting-edge technologies to minimize environmental risks and improve long-term sustainability

The UK is the world’s leading financial, trade and technology hub. Shares of 175 mining companies are traded on the London Stock Exchange with a total capitalisation of $472 billion, or 16% of the global capitalisation. The annual turnover of the London Metal Exchange exceeds 15 trillion dollars.

In addition to investments, British companies offer advanced technologies and expertise in the assessment and development of mineral deposits, increasing productivity, introducing alternative energy technologies, reducing the environmental impact of mining, water management, etc.

• Increasing the reliability of the results of geological and technological testing in the mining and metallurgical industry in Central Asia.
• Early-stage exploration activities: cost optimisation experience and implementation of modern technologies.
• Cutting edge airborne geophysical technologies.
• driving sustainable practices through drilling Optimisation.
• Rock support technologies for efficient mining in difficult conditions

The shared border between China and Central Asian nations spans approximately 3,300 kilometres. The abundance of mineral resources and geographical proximity contribute to the increasing growth of Chinese investments in the region’s mining sector. The “One Belt, One Road” initiative provides landlocked Central Asian countries with the potential to expand their exports to China and global markets by gaining access to seaports. The session will focus on exploring the experiences of implementing investment projects involving Chinese investors and presenting new cooperation opportunities in the mining and processing of metals and minerals.

• Mining lower-grade deposits – new technological solutions
• Integrated approaches to mineral processing and processing.
• New methods of beneficiation of refractory and low-grade ores.
• Energy-efficient recovery of high-value minerals from waste stockpiles and tailings.
• Application of automation and artificial intelligence in the process of ore scanning and enrichment.
• New Methods of Analysis and Quality Control of Enrichment Process.