Organised on 27 November 2023 and hosted by Simmons and Simmons in London the 11th MINEX Eurasia Conference STANDS OUT as an exclusive event dedicated to mining and investment in Central Asia, Caucasus & Mongolia.
The conference caters to mining and metals companies, investors, financiers, government regulators, as well as service providers, attracting participants from the UK and overseas.
In response to the immense need for minerals and metals in strategic industrial ecosystems, the importance of sustainable and dependable sourcing of raw materials continues to rise globally. Relevantly underexplored mineral and metal resources of the Eurasian continent offer significant opportunities. The Conference will serve as a stage for essential conversations regarding the role of the Eurasian mining industry in the supply of Critical Raw Materials and the Development of technological advances making mining less environmentally destructive.
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This year, a high-level delegation from the Kyrgyz Republic, led by Akylbek Zhaparov, Prime Minister, and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic, is attending a significant conference in the UK. This delegation is notable for its high level and size, comprising Bakyt Torobaev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Melis Turgunbaev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision and senior officials and CEOs from both national and international companies.
In addition to the Kyrgyzstan delegation, we anticipate the arrival of a delegation from Uzbekistan, set to participate in MINEX Eurasia and the 27th session of the Uzbek-British Trade and Industry Council. Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Mongolia have plans to dispatch their own delegations to London, joining the MINEX Eurasia Conference and various other events taking place in the city throughout the week.
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The conference provides an ideal platform for companies to showcase their projects and products. As presenter you will reach out to the UK and international audiences with business interests in mining in Central Asia, Mongolia and Ukraine. Further outreach is enabled by the distribution of presented materials to the subscribers of the MINEX Forum, enhancing the outreach of your presentation to Global audiences.
Submit application before 29 September
We cordially invite companies to become a sponsor of our premier mining event. Sponsorship status offers exclusive engagement and visibility opportunities in the Eurasia mining industry, and is a distinguished sign of your company's leadership aspirations and professional standing. Our tailored sponsorship packages provide a range of options to project your company's leading or proactive role in the mining sector.
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By attending the MINEX Eurasia conference, you can learn about the latest investment, regulatory and technological advancements in the Eurasian mining industry and explore how they can benefit your business. Networking at the Conference is enhanced by the bespoke mobile application released a few days ahead of the event. It will enable you to search for other attendees by industry, job title, interests, and secure personal meetings.
Register before 15 September to save
The MINEX Eurasia Mining Conference is an opportunity for investors to learn about new projects and government policies in mining across the Eurasian continent. Investors can schedule private meetings with regional delegations and private and listed mining companies to discuss investment opportunities. The conference will also feature presentations of investment projects and important changes in FDI policies aimed at attracting foreign investors and financiers..
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Mining and Technology Companies interested in organising corporate presentations at the conference are invited to submit applications before 29 September. For terms and benefits, please refer to the following information.
Delegate registration is open online. Register before 15 September to save 33%.
The conference will provide a platform for showcasing investment initiatives and updates in foreign direct investment (FDI) policies that are geared towards advancing mining hubs in Eurasia. In addition, the conference will highlight examples of industrial development that target enhancing productivity, minimizing ecological footprints, and fostering durable community ties in extractive industries.
The impact of geopolitics and global market disruptions on mining in Eurasia is a key topic of discussion at the MINEX Eurasia conference. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, rising energy costs, and disruption of international logistics and supply chains have severely affected mining operations in the region. Understanding the impact of geopolitics on mining in Eurasia is crucial for companies operating in the region to adapt and navigate through these challenges.
The European economy heavily relies on raw materials, which are essential for producing a wide range of goods and modern technologies. However, the EU and other countries face a growing concern over reliable access to certain raw materials. This creates new opportunities for Central Asia, Mongolia, and some European countries to become major suppliers of raw materials for clean energy technologies.
The development of critical raw materials across Eurasia is heavily reliant on the financial markets and strategic investors. Continued involvement of strategic investors and the stability of financial markets will be crucial in ensuring the success of these initiatives and the sustainable development of critical raw materials across Eurasia.
The mining industry is facing both challenges and opportunities as it moves towards a more sustainable future. In 2024, mining companies operating throughout Central Asia, Mongolia, and the Caspian region will need to focus on their ESG (environmental, social, and governance) performance and adopt new technologies and practices to remain competitive and meet the expectations of stakeholders while also remaining competitive in a changing global market.
Kazakhstan plays a critical role in supplying critical raw materials to the European and global markets. The country has a unique heritage of technologies inherited from the Soviet Union, such as tantalum production, which it is developing further. Last year the European Union (EU) and Kazakhstan have established a strategic partnership to ensure the development of a secure and sustainable supply of raw materials and refined materials.
The partnership aims to create a roadmap for 2023-2024, including concrete joint actions carried out in close cooperation with relevant industrial and financial stakeholders from the EU and Kazakhstan. The UK has also set its sights on Kazakhstan as gateway to Central Asia’s resources, pledging investment and technical assistance to develop new deposits of energy metals. Kazakhstan has been increasing its exports of coal to Europe, with an 11% increase in 2022, highlighting the country’s importance in the global energy market. The Middle Corridor has been identified as a potential route to bypass Russia for exporting metals and energy, providing an alternative route that could enhance the security and reliability of energy and mineral supplies to Europe and beyond. With the EU and UK pledging investment and technical assistance to develop new deposits of energy metals and ensure a secure and sustainable supply of raw materials, Kazakhstan’s role as a crucial player in the global mining industry is set to continue to grow.
Uzbekistan is one of the world’s largest producers of gold, ranking ninth, and uranium, ranking seventh. The country also produces other minerals such as copper, silver, coal, phosphate, molybdenum, potassium, tungsten, lead, and zinc. The mining and metals industry is, therefore, an attractive sector for international mining and supply chain companies looking to expand their operations.
The Uzbekistan government has been implementing ongoing reforms to the mining sector, aimed at increasing transparency, promoting foreign investment, and improving the investment climate. The government is also planning the modernization of Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combinat and Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex, two of the country’s leading mining champions, to improve their efficiency and productivity.
Mongolia is one of the leading suppliers of critical raw materials, with over 8,000 mineral occurrences and 80 types of minerals and metals in the 1,170 minefields, including copper, base metals, gold, coal, and uranium. The mining sector is a key driver of the country’s economy. Since the late 1980s, mining has been an important sector of the Mongolian economy, accounting for 42.6% of exports in 1985.
The industry is continuing to rise as a major sector, with Chinese, Russian, and Canadian companies starting mining businesses in the country. Mongolia has significant reserves of coal, copper, gold, silver, iron ore, tungsten, uranium, and rare earth metals, making it an attractive mining investment destination. The country has been making ongoing efforts to modify its legal environment to align it more closely with global standards, given the importance of the minerals sector.
One significant mining investment in Mongolia is the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold deposit, one of the largest known copper and gold deposits in the world. The project is operated by Turquoise Hill Resources, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, and has been in operation since 2013. The mine is expected to be one of the world’s top three copper producers by 2025, with the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s economy and the global supply of critical raw materials.
The country’s mining and metals industry offers attractive investment opportunities, with the government making ongoing efforts to improve the legal environment and align it with global standards. The Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold deposit is a major mining investment in the country, with the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s economy and global supply of critical raw materials.
The mining industry is an important contributor to the economy of the Kyrgyz Republic, providing more than 10% of the country’s GDP, over 43% of industrial production, and around 50% of its exports. Mining is also a key sector in many economies, making a sizable contribution to production, exports, and government revenues. The minerals produced by this sector can be fundamental for large parts of the economy.
The Kyrgyz Republic remains a frontier market oriented towards higher-risk investors, but the government under President Sadyr Japarov has expressed its desire to attract greater, more diversified foreign direct investment (FDI) and to develop a green economy to contribute to sustainable economic growth.
The mining and metals industry in the Kyrgyz Republic is a leading sector for export and investment, but it remains a politically sensitive area with a significant government presence. The legal framework for foreign investment mostly corresponds to international standards, but enforcement of these laws and private property rights is weak, and criminal investigations of commercial disputes are not uncommon.
The mining and steel industry in Ukraine is facing difficult times after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The industry is working in “survival mode,” but also there are still prospects for the sector. After the invasion of Russia on the territory of Ukraine, domestic steel companies reduced the export of products to a minimum due to the blockade of seaports. At the beginning of 2023, the situation stabilised. Ukrainian mining companies increased the export of iron ore by 31% in February 2023 compared to January 2023, amounting to 1.215 million tons.
The cost of rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure, homes, and businesses is estimated to be up to $1 trillion, and international organizations and investors are expected to play a significant role in financing the reconstruction efforts. The Ukrainian mining and metals industry will provide the raw materials necessary for the rebuilding of infrastructure, homes, and businesses, such as steel and other metals. Additionally, Ukraine is a significant producer of minerals such as iron ore, which is a key component of steel, and coal, which is used in the production of electricity and steelmaking. The industry’s contribution to the rebuilding efforts will depend on a variety of factors, including the level of damage sustained by mining and metallurgical facilities during the war, the availability of financing for reconstruction, and the prioritization of reconstruction efforts by the Ukrainian government.
Ukraine is aiming to become a supplier of critical minerals following the war and subsequent disruptions caused by the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing economic sanctions on Russia. The disruptions have caused severe impacts on global markets for critical raw materials, highlighting the need for critical materials security.
Ukraine has potential reserves of various critical minerals, including rare earth elements, titanium, and nickel, among others. The country’s potential as a supplier of critical minerals has led to the European Union and Ukraine signing a memorandum of understanding on critical raw materials and batteries.
Turkey is one of the world’s most promising and dynamic mining destinations, with more than 40% cent of its prospective mining areas still unexplored. The country is the largest gold producer in Europe with 27 tons of gold production per annum from 15 mines. Located on the Tethyan Metallogenic Belt, Turkey also hosts a wide range of deposits, which include mineral ores, coal, silver, marble and natural stones. The government’s priority is to encourage private investment and develop mining into one of the country’s leading industries.
Currently, more than 20 overseas minerals companies are active in Turkey, including large and mid-tier companies from Canada, the UK, the US and Australia. These companies are engaged in the full spectrum of mining activities, from exploration to smelting.
Mines, as a form of natural resource, belong to the Turkish state and are not subject to private ownership, regardless of their geological location (in land, or in, on or under the continental shelf or under water, including under rivers, lakes, inland seas and coastal waters). The Mining Law provides an extensive permitting regime, which divides the development of a mine into three unique stages: (i) exploration, (ii) operation, and (iii) production.
In January 2023 the country’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Turkish Gold mining companies to keep increasing their gold production so it can rely less on imports. In 2000 “Turkish gold production was almost zero in 2000 and in 2020 broke the historic record with 42 tons of gold produced in the country. A historical earthquake in Turkey resulted in immense damage and loss of life, highlighting the potential impact of earthquakes on the environment and infrastructure. In the aftermath of the earthquakes, Turkish authorities temporarily suspended some gold imports as part of an emergency plan to mitigate the economic fallout and issued a decree for lenders to enforce a minimum spread on gold for domestic sales to ease the impact of gold imports on the economy.
Tajikistan has been actively seeking foreign investment in its mining sector, particularly in the extraction and processing of lead, zinc, and tin ores, as well as precious and semi-precious gems and metals, which are among the country’s most significant exports. Chinese businesses have been particularly active in the country’s mining sector, investing more than $211 million in 2021 alone.
The government of Tajikistan has taken steps to improve the investment climate for foreign investors from North America and Europe, including enacting legislation to protect their rights and providing tax incentives for businesses investing in priority sectors such as mining. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and other international financial institutions have also been supporting Tajikistan’s efforts to develop its mining sector through the provision of technical assistance and financing for infrastructure development.
Mining and Metals industry in Azerbaijan presents a range of opportunities for investment, particularly in the areas of exploration and development of mineral deposits. Additionally, the sector’s growth and the Azerbaijani government’s commitment to creating a favourable business environment make it an attractive destination for foreign investment.
The Azerbaijan mining sector has seen significant growth in recent years, due in large part to the country’s rich reserves of gold and other precious metals. Gold production in Azerbaijan increased. This growth is expected to continue in the coming years as more mines are developed and new technologies are employed.
Azerbaijan is home to some of the largest gold deposits in the world, making it an attractive destination for mining companies. The country also has a long history of gold mining, dating back to the Soviet era. Today, there are dozens of active gold mines in Azerbaijan, with many more projects in development.
The Azerbaijan government has been supportive of the mining sector’s growth, providing tax breaks and other incentives to attract investment. This has helped to make Azerbaijan one of the leading destinations for gold mining investment.
With its rich reserves of gold and other precious metals, Azerbaijan is poised for continued growth in the mining sector. This growth is likely to bring new jobs and economic opportunities to the country, furthering Azerbaijan’s development.
Armenia’s mining industry is concentrated around the extraction of metals such as iron, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, gold, silver, antimony, and aluminium. In 2022, 10% of state budget revenues were provided by the mining industry. According to the Union of Miners and Metallurgists of Armenia, the main product in the country is copper concentrate, which also contains gold and ferromolybdenum. China has always been the main market for copper concentrate, and the European market for ferromolybdenum, a small part was exported to Russia.
Armenia is likely to continue developing facilities for processing copper, gold, and molybdenum. However, a significant portion of Armenian society voices concerns about the potential effects of mining projects, and companies’ environmental practices are coming under increased scrutiny. This is due in large part to the historical mismanagement of the sector and the use of outdated practices and technologies.
Mineral resources are one of Georgia’s most competitive goods in foreign markets, accounting for almost 50% of all exports. Georgia has a diverse mineral industry, with significant production of fuller’s earth, kaolin, iron oxide pigments, barite, dimension stone, and feldspar, among others. The country also has a chemical industry that produces mineral fertilizers, synthetic materials and fibers, and pharmaceutical products, while the building industry supplies the country with cement, slate, and prefabricated reinforced-concrete structures and parts.
The National Agency of Mines (NAM) of Georgia has started a modernization process with the general aim of improving the sustainability of the mining sector and boosting investments therein. One of the key priorities is to support the growth of Georgia’s GDP and its rural development, by attracting investments in the mining sector. This assignment will support the NAM in this regard by improving the attractiveness of the country’s mineral potential for investors and responsible mining companies. The main objectives of the project are:
And providing training on good practices with respect to the mining project cycle on a range of topics, including managing social and environmental impacts, and arranging a study visit for the representatives of the NAM and other relevant authorities to a leading mining country.
PMCG will provide local support in the communication component of the project and will undertake the following activities:
With the close cooperation of the NAM, devising a communication strategy that will address constraints and suit the modes of operation and communication in Georgia.
After the communication strategy is presented to and agreed with the NAM, PMCG will assist in its implementation and the preparation of materials. This support will include recommendations on the dissemination of news about the NAM and Georgia’s minerals sector via audio/video materials and the development of concept/brief of the videos.
Is it a virtual or in-person event?
The conference is organised in a hybrid format connecting remote and in-person participants.
Speakers and panellists will be presenting in person and remotely.
The conference will be organised in English. Non-English speakers presenting in person will be able to bring along an interpreter and present in a consecutive format.
Access to the conference sessions as well as a web application and live broadcasts is provided exclusively to registered participants. Remote viewers will be able to watch the live broadcast of the sessions and send questions to presenters via online chat.
How are panel discussions organised?
For your upcoming panel discussion, it is important for the moderator to contact all panellists before the event to pre-agree on discussion topics and questions. During the live event, the moderator will invite panellists to answer questions in the pre-agreed order and will handle questions from the audience and remote viewers. The moderator’s job is to encourage the panellists to give great performances, to keep the discussion engaging and avoid a predictable speaking order. Instead, they can mix up the order or use other techniques to keep the audience interested.
How are Q&As managed during the conference?
We will allocate some time for answering questions from the audience at the end of each session, panel discussion, or keynote. In-person attendees can ask questions using rowing microphones, while remote viewers can send questions to individual presenters or the whole panel via online chat. The moderators will pre-view all chat questions and ask presenters to answer the most relevant and interesting ones during a live debate or Q&A time. Additionally, all participants can send questions to presenters before, during, and after the event using the contact form published in the online profile of presenters. Legitimate questions will be forwarded to presenters via email by the organisers.
Are you recording the conference?
We will be video-recording all presentations and panel discussions. ns. Once the videos are edited, they will be published online with the slides and other materials, and they will be available to all registered participants via their personal accounts on the conference website.
Will there be flash photography?
Professional photographer or videographer who will be taking photos of presenting speakers, panel discussions, audience questions, and networking events. The photographer will limit the use of flash to a bare minimum and will do their best not to distract the audience from the conference. The photos will be edited and published in low resolution on the conference website, and high-resolution photos can be provided upon request after the event.
When the conference materials will be available?
The materials will be provided free of charge to all registered participants through their personal accounts on or after 7 December 2023. The conference materials will include presentation slides (in PDF format), video recordings of the conference sessions, and photos of the event.
Will there be a live broadcast?
We are planning to organise a live broadcast of the sessions on the conference website. Remote viewers will need to pre-register to receive the link to the broadcast web page. During the broadcast, remote viewers will be able to send questions to presenters via the chat window. The moderators will pre-view all chat questions and ask presenters to answer the most relevant and interesting ones during a live debate or Q&A time. Access to the conference video recordings and presented slides will be offered free of charge to the fee-paying participants. Non-paying viewers will be invited to purchase access to materials after the conference.
How can I plan meetings with other participants?
You can enhance your participation in the event with the conference web application which includes the following features:
What is a Smart name badge with an E-Business card?
As part of our commitment to reducing environmental footprint across all MINEX Forum events, we will provide all participants with Smart name badge with E-Business cards. The badge will have a QR code which will be linked to the personal accounts of the event participants and securely encrypted on the MINEX Eurasia conference website. Participants will be able to update personal information in their accounts changing photos, short profiles (up to 200 words), contact details (phone, email, postal address), links to social media, etc.