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, reduction of environmental footprint, and fostering durable community ties with extractive industries.
Central Asia has accumulated a growing stack of critical minerals agreements with Western governments, but the conversion from diplomatic frameworks to bankable projects remains a key challenge. This session examines how the region can move from strategic intent to operational reality, exploring the complex interplay of international investment (EU, China, US, UK), local governance, sustainability imperatives, and the political momentum driving the sector.
Key questions include how Kazakhstan’s $81 million geological exploration programme and Uzbekistan’s $2.6 billion minerals initiative are translating into investable projects; whether the Middle Corridor can provide viable export logistics; and what role junior mining companies, development finance institutions, and strategic investors can play in closing the gap between agreements and operational mines.
Eurasian nations are navigating a complex energy transition, balancing immediate reliance on fossil fuels and the strategic potential of nuclear power with ambitious renewable energy targets. This session explores how redefined energy policies, driven by national interests and pragmatic assessments of global climate commitments, will shape the future of extractive industries across the region.
The discussion will address the accelerated development of coal, uranium, lithium, rare earth, and other ore deposits critical for both energy security and the global clean energy transition. It will also examine how the expansion of data centres, AI infrastructure, and defence spending is creating entirely new layers of mineral demand, and what this means for Eurasian producers.
The overall need for capital in the mining sector is immense, driven by demand for critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. Central Asia presents a compelling but challenging destination for investors and developers, with vast natural resources, a strategic location, and growing economies.
This session combines two focused panel discussions:
- Capital Markets Panel – Examining how capital markets are responding to the mining sector’s capex needs, including the role of London, Astana, and other listing venues.
- Project Finance Panel – Exploring the mechanics of mining project finance and investment in Central Asia, featuring perspectives from development banks, commercial lenders, and advisory firms.
A government keynote address from a Central Asian mining ministry is expected to follow the panel discussions.
Kazakhstan’s mining industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by national economic reforms and shifting global demand for metals and minerals. This session provides a comprehensive outlook on the key drivers, investment trends, and major projects shaping geological exploration and critical mineral development.
With Kazakhstan’s industrial production index reaching 107.6% in 2025 and the extractive sector recording 9–10% growth, the country is positioning itself as a major mineral supplier to Europe and Asia. The session will examine how regulatory reforms, the Stepnogorsk rare earth processing facility, the Cove Capital tungsten deal, and the development of junior mining ecosystems are reshaping the investment landscape.
A focused conversation exploring emerging opportunities beyond traditional commodities, covering rare earths, strategic minerals from brines, and novel extraction technologies with applications across Central Asia.
Mining and processing raw materials pose substantial environmental risks. This session provides an overview of the environmental risks associated with mining activities, including climate change-related risks, air and water pollution, and impact on biodiversity. It examines tools and approaches to assess and mitigate these risks, focusing on sustainable environmental assessments, decarbonisation frameworks, traceability from mines to markets, and circular economy approaches.
Particular attention will be given to the growing role of AI and blockchain in ESG compliance, and how Eurasian mining companies are adapting to increasingly stringent international standards while remaining competitive.
Central Asia’s vast hydrocarbon and geothermal reserves hold immense untapped potential for critical raw materials vital to the global energy transition. This session showcases breakthrough research and commercial applications, from extracting critical minerals from oilfield brines to recovering metals using selective polymers and harnessing geothermal systems.
The session will feature presentations from research institutions and technology companies demonstrating proven technologies ready for scale-up, offering Central Asia the opportunity to supply essential materials for the next industrial revolution whilst maintaining environmental responsibility and generating substantial economic returns.
The conference concludes with a drinks reception, offering delegates an opportunity to continue conversations and forge new connections in a relaxed setting.
