11.00 – 11.05

Welcoming remarks

Mr.Renat Bekturov, Governor, Astana International Financial Centre

11.05 – 11.30

Panel Session No. 1: Rare and Critical Metals – Global Perspectives and Local Opportunities

Kazakhstan possesses significant reserves of rare earth metals. However, the lack of modern and cost-effective technology for extracting rare earth metals (REE) from primary ore remains the main challenge. In this regard, the national strategy is focused on attracting advanced technologies and developing a full industry value chain—from exploration and mining to processing—while leveraging international experience.

Moderator: Mr.Yuri Savguira, PhD, Senior Engagement Manager, HATCH

Speakers:

1. Mr. Sharkhan Iran, Vice Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan
2. Mr. Rinaldo Jeanty, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Lands and Minerals Sector at Natural Resources Canada
3. Mr. Pini Althaus, Founding Partner at Cove Capital
4. Mr. Vasileios Tsianos, VP Corporate Development at Neo Performance Materials
5. Mr. Conrad Blake, Managing Director, Minerals at HATCH
6. Ms. Madalina Ivanica, Deputy Head of Unit, DG GROW at European Commission

11.30 – 12.00

Panel Session No. 2: Strategic Partnerships in Geological Exploration 

The panel session is devoted to discussing topical issues of strategic partnership in the field of geological exploration, including current challenges, promising areas of cooperation and innovative approaches to attracting investments.

The heads of the geological services of the world will discuss global and regional trends in exploration, opportunities for international cooperation and investment cooperation, new technologies and digital solutions in the industry.

Moderator: Mr. Kimmo Tiilikainen, Director General at Geological Survey of Finland (GTK)

Speakers:

1. Mr. Yerlan Galiyev, Head of the National Geological Survey of the Republic of Kazakhstan
2. Mr. Francisco Igualada, Senior Mining Specialist at the World Bank
3. Dr. Karen Hanghøj, Director of the British Geological Survey Head of BGS
4. Mr. Hassan Al-Marzouki, Director of Planning and Development, SGS
5. Mr.Christophe Poinssot, Deputy Managing Director, French Geological Survey (BRGM)
6. Mr.Sven-Uwe Schulz, Head of Unit “Evaluation of Mineral Resources”, German Mineral Resources Agency (DERA)

12.00 – 12.30

Coffee break & Networking

12.30 – 13.10

Panel session No.3: Mining Innovation in Action: Kazakhstan at the Cutting Edge. 

The panel session is dedicated to the presentation by Kazakhstani companies of their breakthrough projects in the field of geological exploration, mining and processing of minerals. Industry experts and business representatives will discuss key successes, the latest exploration projects and their contribution to the country’s resource base, innovative technologies and promising areas of development of the Mining and Metallurgical Complex of Kazakhstan.

Moderator: Mr.Alex Simakov, Special Advisor to the Net Zero Reliability Initiative

Speakers: 

1. Mr. Nariman Absametov, Acting Chairman of the Board of JSC “NK Tau-Ken Samruk”
2. Mr. Alexander Prikhodko, Vice President of Expert Geophysics Limited.
3. Ms. Yulia Koryazova, Head of the ERG Data Management Department.
4. Mr. Trevor Wright, Partner Lakeside Minerals LLP.
5. Ms. Madina Kapenova, CEO, Aurora Minerals Group LLP

13.10 – 13.40

Panel Session No. 4: Investment, Supply Chain Development and National Legislation

Kazakhstan aims to modernize its mining industry. The sector’s reforms are focused on creating more efficient and transparent conditions to attract international investment and business. This includes the implementation of modern technologies, improvement of the legislative and regulatory framework, and the development of necessary infrastructure

Moderator: Mr. Wael Jaber, Director, Mining and Metals Consulting, Wood Mackenzie

Speakers:

1. Mr. Gabidulla Ospankulov, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
2. Mr. Garth Kirkham, Chairperson, CIM, Canada CRIRSCO
3. Mr. Michael Stanley, Mining Sector Lead, World Bank Group
4. Mr. Andres Blanco, CEO Xcalibur Smart Mapping
5. Mr. Timur Odilov, Partner, Haller Lomax

13.40 – 14.10

Panel Session No.5: Kazakhstan’s Path to Leadership in the Global Uranium Mining Market

Kazatomprom has become a prime example of successful transformation through bold strategy, visionary leadership, and the support of key investors and international partners. In this panel discussion, Kazatomprom’s top management will share insights into the company’s remarkable transformation, its innovation-driven growth, and discuss shifting market demands and the increasing importance of sustainability in its long-term vision.

Moderator: Ms.Botagoz Muldagalieva, Director of IR Department, NAC Kazatomprom JSC

Speakers:

1. Mr. Dastan Kosherbayev, Chief Director for Strategy and International Development of JSC NAC Kazatomprom
2. Mr. Sean Quinn, Senior Vice-President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Cameco
3. Mr. Christian C.Polak, Senior Advisor, Strategy & Partnership, Orano Mining