Potential and Development of Kazakhstan's Geological Industry Discussed in Brussels

December 4, 2024, Brussels – In the building of the Permanent Representation of Kazakhstan to the European Union held a round table on “Kazakhstan's geological industry potential: opportunities for cooperation”.

The event, timed to coincide with the 125th anniversary of Academician Kanysh Satpayev, was attended by European and Kazakhstani experts of the geological industry, representatives of higher educational and scientific institutions, EU and UN institutions, non-governmental organizations and the media.

The Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the EU Margulan Baimukhan in his opening speech informed the guests of the event about the interesting facts of the biography of the great Kazakh scientist K. Satpayev. He spoke about the significant contribution of the academician in the development of geological research in Kazakhstan, his role in the qualitative transformation of Kazakhstan from an agrarian to industrial-scientific intellectual country.

М. Baimukhan noted that modern science in the field of geological research in Kazakhstan continues to develop, attracting new foreign investment and advanced technologies in the mining sector.

The Kazakh diplomat drew the attention of the audience that Kazakhstan's strategic role extends to critical raw materials, where the country contains 33 out of 34 elements of the list of critical raw materials identified by the European Union. Kazakhstan can supply 21 of the 34 minerals recognized by the EU as critical, and has established raw material bases for the remaining 13, which positions Kazakhstan as one of Europe's key partners in ensuring a stable supply of key materials critical to the transition to green energy and advanced technology sectors.

Speakers represented by Samgat Ermekbayev, First Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and Strategic Development of Satbayev University, Aliya Sembayeva, Deputy Chairman of the JSC "Science Fund" and Bauyrzhan Mukayev, Independent partner of JSC "NC "KAZAKH INVEST" told the invited guests about the scientific, technical and educational potential of Kazakhstan in the field of geological research, as well as about the existing prospects in the mining sector of Kazakhstan's economy.

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Senior Policy Advisor Zhanyl Moldalieva described the projects of the UNEP office in Brussels for cooperation on environmentally-oriented, sustainable use of minerals and metals.

NGO representatives: Badrinath Veluri, President of the Rare Earth Elements Industry Association (REIA) and Nikolaus Kukuzas, Coordinator of the European Federation of Geologists (EDF) Expert Group on Geological Storage of CO2 and Hydrogen, made presentations on their organizations' new research, scientific developments and interests in cooperation with Kazakhstani companies.

A question and answer session was held during the roundtable, which demonstrated the notable interest of european academia and the business community in Kazakhstan's mining industry.

After the event, the speakers and guests of the round table were presented with books on the biography of Academician Kanysh Satpayev in English.

The event took place ahead of the annual European Raw Materials Week in Brussels, organized by the European Commission.