All days

Attracting foreign investment and implementing cutting-edge technologies are essential for maintaining competitiveness in the mining sector. Given that only a fraction of the metals mined in Central Asia are processed locally, the future of the mining industry in the region is tied to the establishment of “industrial hubs,” technology parks, and free economic zones. The session will offer a platform to showcase projects aimed at developing value-added production in Central Asian countries and to discuss the prospects for international trade and economic relations.

The strategic location of Central Asia and the abundance of valuable natural resources make the region attractive to investors. The region’s economy boomed in the early 2000s but experienced a sharp decline between 2014 and 2016 due to falling global oil prices. The history of investment in the mining industry is also mixed. An early surge in foreign investment gave way to a mass exodus due to resource nationalism. In present days, the so-called “critical materials” are becoming the “new oil” for the transition to a green economy. However, the production of these materials will require investment and long-term commitments on the part of investors, as well as national policy in the field of subsoil use. What are the national plans of the Central Asian countries for the development of the mineral resources sector? What advantages do states offer to attract foreign direct investment in projects for the exploration, production and processing of minerals?

The global shift from hydrocarbons to renewable energy sources has significantly propelled international cooperation in the realms of geological exploration, production, processing, and the establishment of supply chains for uranium and materials crucial for green energy technologies. This session aims to facilitate discussions on tangible actions and showcase examples of how international collaboration is expanding in unlocking critical raw materials potential across Central Asia. It will focus on partnership programs with the European Union, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, China, the Middle East, and other nations to develop international supply chains metals essential for the energy transition.

Due to faster warming than in other regions of the world, subsoil users in Central Asia will have to implement climate change and water management strategies much earlier. According to Harvard University studies, energy diversification is key to effectively addressing climate change and meeting the region’s growing energy demand. Energy resources account for approximately 30% of the total operating costs of mining enterprises. Companies can reduce energy consumption at existing facilities by 15-20% through effective energy management programs and achieve 50% energy savings in the design of new mines. 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. To ensure the sustainability of mining and processing across the region, mining enterprises must develop water and climate management programs and integrate best available practices and technologies.  To encourage investment in renewable energy sources, local governments should provide long-term assurances and extended planning timelines.

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.

Company website https://www.kumtor.kg/en/  

Kumtor Gold Company will be able to invite a small group of delegates to visit Kumtor Gold Mine. The visit will take approximately 3 days (21-23 June).  Please keep in mind the important note about the high altitude and potential breathing difficulties. If you have any concerns, it’s best to consult with a medical professional before embarking on this trip. 

About Kumtor Gold Mine: 

The Kumtor mine, located in the Kyrgyz Republic, is one of the largest gold mines in Central Asia. The deposit is approximately 350 kilometres away from Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic. 

It has been producing gold since 1997 and has yielded over 13.8 million ounces of gold as of June 30, 2022. The mine operates at an impressive altitude of 13,000 feet, making it the second-highest mine globally, surpassed only by Newmont Gold mine Yanacocha in Peru.  Kumtor is an open-pit mine situated in the southern region of the Central Tien-Shan, at an elevation of 4,000 meters above sea level. It operates in a permafrost zone.   

Preliminary Itinerary: 

Compulsory Health Check. 20 June (Thursday) 

On 20th June registered visitors will be taken to the Medical Centre in Bishkek to go through a compulsory health check. If the test has been passed successfully, visitors will be required to abstain from alcohol before and during the visit.  

Day 1: 21 June (Friday) 

Delegates will be transferred from Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake resort for an overnight stay and meeting with the company representatives and H&S briefing.  

Day 2: 22 June (Saturday) 

Transfer to Kumtor Gold Mine by special transport (note: the mine is operated at an altitude of 4000 meters, which may cause breathing difficulties for some individuals).  

Transfer back to Issyk-Kul Lake resort.  

Farwell dinner. 

Day 3: 23 June (Sunday) 

Transfer to Bishkek.  

NB. Visitors will be offered an option to extend their stay at the resort and participate in the program of Recreation, leisure, and sports activities.  

Company website  

About Taldybulak Levoberezhny Gold Mine 

The Taldybulak Levoberezhny Gold Mine some 120 km (75 miles) east of the capital Bishkek 

The Taldybulak Levoberezhny Gold Mine is the third-largest gold mine in Kyrgyzstan, located in the Westen Tianshan Mountain gold-copper mineralization zone, known as the Golden Belt of Central Asia. It has a throughput of 2,500 tonnes per day. Zijin Mining holds a 60% interest in the project, and Kyrgyzaltyn JSC holds the remaining 40%. 

Preliminary Itinerary: 

21 June (Friday) 

09:00 Departure from Novotel Bishkek. Transfer to Taldybulak Levoberezhny Gold Mine 

11:00 Arrival to Taldybulak Levoberezhny Gold Mine. H&S briefing.  

11:00 Mine site visit.  

13:00 Lunch and informal meetings with the company management  

14:30 Departure for Bishkek  

15:30 Visit to historic nomadic site. Refreshments 

17:30 Arrival to Novotel Bishkek