FROM CRITICAL MINERALS TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: AMM 2026 CONGRESS OPENS IN ASTANA

TODAY, JUNE 11, THE 16TH INTERNATIONAL MINING AND METALLURGY CONGRESS ASTANA MINING & METALLURGY 2026 OFFICIALLY COMMENCED IN KAZAKHSTAN’S CAPITAL. AS THE LARGEST INDUSTRY PLATFORM IN CENTRAL ASIA, THE CONGRESS BRINGS TOGETHER REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT BODIES, BUSINESSES, INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY, AND EXPERT CIRCLES TO DISCUSS KEY ISSUES RELATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MINING AND METALLURGICAL SECTOR.

 

This year, the Congress has brought together approximately 2,100 delegates from 16 countries, once again confirming AMM’s high international standing as one of the most significant platforms for professional dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the establishment of long-term partnerships in the fields of subsoil use, metallurgy, and industrial development.

Amid growing demand for critical raw materials, the accelerated adoption of innovative technologies, and the transformation of global production chains, issues related to the sustainable development of the industry, enhancing its investment attractiveness, and strengthening international cooperation have become increasingly important. These priorities form the core of the AMM 2026 business programme, which has brought together 190 speakers from around the world.

The central event of the first day was the Plenary Session titled “From the Depths to the Heights of Intelligence: Global Partnership for the Future of the Mining and Metallurgical Industry”. During the discussion, participants examined prospects for the further development of the mining and metallurgical complex in the context of global economic changes, industrial cooperation, the formation of resilient supply chains for critical minerals and metals, as well as the impact of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation on improving production efficiency.

  The Plenary Session featured the participation of:

• Olzhas Bektenov — Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan
• Yersayin Nagaspayev — Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan
• Bandar Bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef — Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Saudi Arabia
• David L. Fogel — Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service, Global Markets
• Kanat Sharlapayev — Chairman of the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Atameken”
• Valère Moutarlier — Deputy Director-General - European Industry and Decarbonisation, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW), European Commission
• Zaure Zaurbekova — Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Finance and Strategic Development, Qarmet JSC
• Aizhan Balabatyrova — Chair of the Management Board, KAZ Minerals Management LLP
• Wesley Monteiro — Senior Market Engagement Partner - Middle East, Strategic Engagements and Intelligence, S&P Global Energy

The Prime Minister emphasized that the mining and metallurgical sector is becoming one of the key drivers of national competitiveness. The world is entering a new industrial era in which the development of energy systems, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence directly depends on reliable access to metals and mineral resources. The Prime Minister also highlighted the large-scale reforms being implemented in the sector and the strategic priorities set by the country’s leadership to unlock Kazakhstan’s industrial potential.

“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set the task of a gradual transition from a predominantly raw-material-based model to an economy focused on deep processing and high value-added production. Today, large-scale projects aimed at developing processing industries and increasing the share of high value-added products are already being implemented”, emphasized O. Bektenov.

The first day of the Congress featured a series of strategic industry discussions devoted to the most pressing issues facing the mining and metallurgical sector. Particular attention was given to the industry’s investment attractiveness, the sustainability of global commodity markets, international cooperation, financing of new projects, and the development of critical minerals. The business programme included panel sessions such as “Investment Climate and regulatory environment”, “Eurasia Critical Minerals Organisation: strategies for attracting financing in the mining and metals industry”, “Taxation In the Mining and Metallurgy: Discussion of Key Challenges”, “Metal Trading In a High-Volatility Environment: Managing Price Risks”, “Legalization and Development of Artisanal Mining: From Restrictions to Opportunities”, the strategic session “Geological Exploration: Will a Technological Breakthrough Be the Answer to Key Challenges?”, as well as the roundtable “Transport and Logistics in the Mining and Metallurgy: Central Asia’s Integration into Global Supply Chains”.

  A significant part of the first day’s programme was dedicated to international events aimed at enhancing intergovernmental cooperation and strengthening investment partnerships. These included the Country Roundtable “USA – Kazakhstan”, the closed governmental meeting “EU – Kazakhstan”, the international session “From Rockies to Steppes: Canadian Mining Companies on Kazakhstan's Potential”, as well as the specialized workshop “From Critical Minerals Potential to Bankable Investment Projects”, involving representatives of government agencies, international organizations, and businesses. These events contribute to expanding partnership networks, attracting investment, and advancing joint initiatives in the development and processing of mineral resources.

The development of scientific, technological, and industrial cooperation remains an important focus of the Congress. As part of AMM 2026, several documents are expected to be signed to expand international cooperation, including a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a memorandum on the establishment of a joint research laboratory with Swiss partners, and a cooperation agreement between Kazhydrogeology NHS and IBL Elements Inc. The implementation of these initiatives will contribute to the advancement of scientific research, the adoption of modern technologies, and the strengthening of international professional ties.

Alongside the Congress, an international specialized exhibition has opened, bringing together 69 companies from 15 countries. Among the participants are 40 Kazakhstani and 29 international companies presenting modern solutions for the mining, metallurgical, and processing industries. The exhibition showcases production automation and digitalization technologies, geological exploration solutions, equipment for mineral extraction and processing, as well as innovations in industrial safety and environmental sustainability. Notably, participation in the AMM exhibition marks a debut for 36 companies, demonstrating the growing interest of international businesses in the opportunities offered by the Kazakhstani market and the potential of the country’s mining and metallurgical sector.

Throughout the two-day Congress, participants are also holding a series of B2B and B2G meetings aimed at establishing new business contacts, identifying investment partners, discussing promising projects, and fostering international industrial cooperation.

Tomorrow, June 12, the business programme will continue with the Kazakhstan Gold Mining Forum, the Coal Forum, the Critical Minerals Workshop, the Kazakhstan Jewelers Congress, PR and GR meetings, as well as a number of thematic sessions. The Congress will conclude with a final foresight session, during which participants will summarize the discussions and identify priority areas for the future development of the industry.

   The first day of AMM 2026 demonstrated a high level of engagement by government institutions, businesses, and international partners in shaping a new agenda for the mining and metallurgical sector. The discussions, industry meetings, and negotiations held throughout the day confirmed the strong demand for open professional dialogue on the development of mineral resources, the implementation of advanced technologies, the expansion of processing capacities, and the strengthening of cooperative ties. The agreements reached and the joint initiatives outlined create favorable conditions for attracting investment, implementing promising projects, and strengthening Kazakhstan’s position within the global supply chain for raw materials and high value-added products.

The Congress is organized by Kazakhstan exhibition company Iteca and its international partner ICA Events.