Biography
Almat Daumov is a Partner and Member of the Global Board of GRATA International, an international law firm operating across more than 20 jurisdictions. He has over 20 years of experience advising international investors on mining, oil and gas, M&A, and major investment projects in Kazakhstan. Throughout his career, Almat has advised leading international mining companies, including Rio Tinto, Solidcore, KAZ Minerals, Barrick Gold, and other major and junior mining companies, on market entry, acquisitions, joint ventures, exploration projects, and regulatory matters. In addition to his legal practice, Almat serves on the boards of several mining and exploration companies with projects involving gold, copper, and rare earth elements. He is a Member of the Board of the Kazakhstan Chamber of Mines and serves on the Mining Industry Committee and Geological Industry Subcommittee of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan (Atameken). He also participates in government working groups on mining legislation, taxation, and royalties. Almat is a member of the World Association of Mining Lawyers and YPO Kazakhstan.
Sessions
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Speaker
THEME 5: KAZAKHSTAN – A CHANGING OF THE GUARD, TIGHTENING OF THE REINS AND THE GROWING INFLUENCE OF CHINA
Kazakhstan’s Mining Investment Landscape: Critical Minerals, M&A and Greenfield Exploration
Kazakhstan’s mining sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by growing international demand for critical minerals, evolving investment priorities and changing patterns of foreign investment. The presentation will explore emerging opportunities in copper, tungsten and rare earth elements, highlighting Kazakhstan’s strategic initiatives to develop its mineral resource base and attract international investors. Drawing on practical experience advising international mining companies, the presentation will examine two principal investment models: acquisitions of established mining assets and greenfield exploration through direct licensing, joint ventures and earn-in arrangements with junior mining companies. Through selected case studies, it will illustrate how investor profiles, transaction structures and market dynamics have evolved in recent years, including the growing role of Chinese investors and changing approaches among Western mining companies. The presentation will conclude by considering how Kazakhstan can strengthen its competitiveness in attracting international mining capital.
