5 SESSION BRIEF
Industry leaders gathered on 1 December 2025 at the MINEX Eurasia Conference in London for a discussion on balancing mineral extraction with environmental responsibility. The session, “Assessing and Mitigating Environmental Risks for Critical Raw Materials Development in Central Asia”, explored innovative solutions to the region’s pressing sustainability challenges.
From Waste to Wealth: Kazakhstan’s Legislative Push
Gulvira Shaimerdenova, Director of Government Relations at Kazakh mining firm Qarmet, revealed startling figures: 32 billion tonnes of industrial waste sit unused in Kazakhstan, with just 3.5% recycled annually. She outlined upcoming legislative reforms—expected to pass this month—that will incentivize $500 million in waste-processing projects by major players like Qarmet and Kazakhmys.
“By reclassifying certain mining wastes as secondary raw materials, we can unlock new revenue streams while cleaning up legacy sites,” Shaimerdenova said.
The Decarbonisation Dilemma
Bob Robinson of SLR Consulting challenged the notion that miners only act on sustainability when forced. “Cost savings and market pressures are now just as compelling as regulations,” he argued, citing a 10-year efficiency program that saved a global miner $14 million per year.
He highlighted renewable energy integration and carbon capture as key opportunities but stressed that internal carbon pricing is essential to prioritise green investments.
Blockchain for Cleaner Supply Chains
With the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) tightening import rules, Agata Slater of The Hashgraph Group pitched digital product passports as the future of mineral traceability. Her firm’s EcoGuard platform uses blockchain to create immutable records of a resource’s ESG footprint—a system already being tested by a green ammonia producer in Africa.
“Buyers increasingly demand verified low-carbon materials,” Slater noted. “This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about premium pricing and market access.”
Case Study: Central Asia Metals’ Balanced Approach
Megan Farrell of Central Asia Metals showcased their Kazakhstan copper operation, where in-situ leaching of waste dumps reduces emissions by avoiding traditional mining methods. A 4.7 MW solar farm covers 14% of energy needs, though winter reliance on coal boilers persists.
“In regions with legacy pollution, baseline environmental data is everything,” Farrell emphasised, detailing collaborations with Kazakh regulators to set cleanup benchmarks.
The Road Ahead
The session concluded with consensus on three priorities for Central Asia’s mining sector:
- Policy reforms to accelerate waste reuse and decarbonisation
- Digital systems to prove sustainability claims
- Transparent partnerships between industry and governments
As global demand for critical minerals surges, the region’s ability to marry resource development with environmental stewardship will determine its role in the clean energy transition.