With continuing global upward trends in the mining sector and soaring metal prices, international investors and miners are weighing opportunities for new business ventures in emerging economies which could offer good growth prospects and healthy returns. Kazakhstan and several mineral rich Central Asian countries with their untapped resources may soon become one of those “must be there” areas for global miners, investors and international service providers.

Kazakhstan was one of the first countries among its former Soviet Union peers, to experience the ill effects of the Global Financial Crisis as its banking sector was more exposed to the International Capital Markets. Presently, Kazakhstan is in the lead by introducing new policies which are designed to modernise country’s core industries and attract investment in the development of country’s vast and unexplored natural resources. This year Kazakhstan entered into Open Customs Zone with Russia and Belarus removing trade barriers and boosting trade with EU by 70% (comparing to 2009 – http://www.keden.kz/). On June 24 2010 Kazakhstan adopted the new “Law on Subsoil and Subsoil Use” which addressed concerns in the mining sector by guaranteeing legislative stabilisation to investors. On 30 June Kazakhstan’s National Mining Company “Tau-Ken Samruk” signed 50-50% partnership agreement with Rio Tinto (the World’s third largest mining company) which will explore for copper, gold, bauxite and iron ore: http://www.businessweek.com/news/ . On Tuesday 14 December Kazakhstan announced its intention to invite Vale and Rio Tinto to develop 10 gold, silver and copper clusters in Spasskaya zone in Karaganda region – one of country’s largest mineral-rich areas of about 12,000 sq. km (4,634 sq. miles) – http://www.reuters.com/. These new developments clearly demonstrate that Kazakhstan is actively changing its strategy for the future development of its natural resources and determining country’s long term stability and growth. Other Central Asian states e.g. Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and the Caspian States are following closely.

One of the key Mining & Exploration events in Central Asia which provides platform for the international investment and partnership dialogues is “MINEX Central Asia” Forum.

Presenting at the first “MINEX Central Asia 2010” Mining and Exploration Forum in March 2010 in Astana, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Mr Karim Massimov spoke of emerging opportunities for international cooperation in the Mining and Metals sectors. Minister for Industry and Innovation Mr Aset Issekeshev presented the new program for Modernisation of Mining and Metals industry which will greatly improve Kazakhstan’s infrastructure and increase its metals output by over 50% by the year 2015. To view these presentations please visit: http://www.minexasia.com/2010.

The 2^nd “MINEX Central Asia” Forum will be held on 5-7 April 2011 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Over 400 local and international business delegates are expected to attend.

The forum is organised in close cooperation with over 30 national and international organisations including the National Wealth Fund of Kazakhstan “Samruk Kazyna”, National Mining Company of Kazakhstan “Tau-Ken Samruk”, National Uranium Company “Kazatomprom”, ENRC , Association of Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Mining Association, State Geological Directorate of Tajik Republic, State Committee on Geology and Subsoil Use of Kazakhstan, Eurasian Business Council, Rio Tinto, SRK Consulting, Wardell Armstrong International, IMC Montan and many others.

The forum’s multi-track agenda will focus on the key regulatory changes across Central Asia, e.g. practical implementation of Kazakhstan New Subsoil and Subsoil Use Legislation, forthcoming new subsoil legislation currently being prepared by Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan amongst other states. The forum will also examine changes in the extracting tax proposed in Kazakhstan. It will offer an in-depth insight into the key emerging mineral exploration opportunities in Central Asia and the Caspian States.

Technical program of the forum will concentrate on the key technological and management challenges in the mining sectors in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, e.g. opportunities for development of secondary mining (tailings); development of deposits with low grade ore; implementation of environment monitoring and safety systems; development of fully integrated mining and processing systems and much more.

The Early Bird delegate and exhibitor registration discount (10% off the standard fee) will end on 15 January 2011.

Standard (before EB discount) participation fees are as follows:
Delegate registration:
Master Classes (5 April) » 200 EUR
Forum (6-7 April) » 600 EUR
Master Classes + Forum (5-7 April) » 750 EUR
Gala Dinner (6 April) » 150 EUR
Exhibitor packages start from € 2 800

For more information about sponsorship and presentation opportunities at the forum please refer to Sponsors section of this website.

Contact conference organisers:

(Please note that due to holiday period closure we are unable answer telephone enquiries from 20 December till 3 January)

LONDON, United Kingdom
Mr Arthur Poliakov
Head of MINEX Forum Organising Committee
Advantix Ltd (Event manager)
Tel: + 44 (0) 207 520 9341
Fax: + 44 (0) 207 520 9342
Email: Arthur.P@minexforum.com

Mrs Irina Yukhtina
Head of MINEX Forum Communications
Advantix Ltd (Event manager)
Tel: + 44 (0) 207 520 9341
Fax: + 44 (0) 207 520 9342
Email: Ira.Y@minexforum.com

ALMATY, Kazakhstan
MINEX Central Asia representative

Ms Asel Yergalieva (Russian speakers only)
Tel / Fax: + 7 727 311 0049
Mob.: +7-701-744-17-87
Fax: + 7 727 311 0048
Email: almatyoffice@minexforum.com

MOSCOW, Russia
Mr Eugeny Tarasov (Russian / English)
Head of MINEX Moscow office
Тel/Fax: +7 (495) 510 8693
Тел: + 7 (499) 503 1873
Email: moscowoffice@minexforum.com