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 establishing “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.

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 the 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 leverage 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.

While Central Asia offers immense mineral potential, challenges such as infrastructure development, evaluation of investment projects using internationally accepted standards and investment in geological exploration should be addressed to fully capitalise on the region’s resources. The final session of the day facilitated discussions on tangible actions and showcased examples of how international collaboration with local and international financiers is unlocking critical raw materials potential across Central Asia.

The Swedish mining excellence session was organised in partnership with Business Sweden – an enterprise jointly owned by the Swedish state and the Swedish business sector with a mandate and a mission to help international companies gain access to the Swedish market and help domestic ones utilise it as a platform for expansion.

The next country-focused session addressed Technology and Investment Partnership opportunities with British companies and Organisations.

The first tech session discussed Innovations for Developing a More Intelligent and Efficient Geological Exploration.

Sponsored by Eradia the second technical session addressed modern practices for Improving Production Efficiency and Risk Management in the Mining Industry.

The Forum concluded with the presentation of investment projects presented by Arkady Rogalsky, Counselor, Kyrgyzgeology.

This presentation introduced the Kyrgyz Republic’s initiative to develop its critical raw materials (CRM) sector, particularly focusing on rare earth elements (REE). The state enterprise “Kyrgyzgeology” plans to rehabilitate the abandoned Kyrgyz mining and processing plant in Kemin, which operated from 1942 and produced various REE oxides. The project aims to tap into anthropogenic resources from four tailings, estimated to contain significant reserves of lead, zinc, silver, gold, and other valuable metals. The initiative is part of a broader national project to boost the economy through the extraction of polymetals and rare earth elements, as decreed by the President of Kyrgyzstan in January 2024. The presentation emphasises the importance of CRMs in modern technology and highlights the need for sustainable development of these resources to support high-tech industries and economic growth in Kyrgyzstan.