The 2022 SRK Workshop themed “Integrated Mine Closure in Kazakhstan: Challenges and Opportunities” took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan in October 2022. SRK Consulting (Kazakhstan) organised this event for the mining companies in Kazakhstan and engaged its experts from its Kazakhstan, UK, and US practices and associate consultants to share experience and facilitate the discussions on existing challenges and potential opportunities in mine closure planning in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan’s mining legislation has been developing rapidly during last decade and does integrate sustainability considerations in the mining policy framework. A transformation of the closure legislation was one of the major parts of this policy reform. SRK took an active part in consulting the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the mining policy reform back in 2017 that was mainly driven by examples of the world’s leading mining jurisdictions. Consultants from SRK provided their inputs into building a national closure governance framework based on the best international mine closure practices considering local context.
In Kazakhstan, mine closure is an integral part of any mining project, and the closure activities must be implemented in accordance with a mine closure plan approved by regulators. The purpose of the workshop was to provide participants with guidance on up-to-date good industry practice of integrating mine closure in project’s life cycle and emphasise the importance of feasible technical design, realistic cost estimates to achieve closure goals and reduce liabilities during mine’s operating period.
Now that the closure governance framework has been in place for the last five years, this workshop was an important opportunity to share experiences and lessons learnt, exchange views, foster partnerships, and strengthen efforts in responsible mine closure. During the workshop, the following mine closure topics were actively discussed:
· Post-closure land use and stakeholder engagement
· Use of disturbed lands for mine waste disposal and associated risks and opportunities
· Partial relinquishment and reduction of closure liabilities as part of progressive closure
· Suggestions for mine closure regulation updates in Kazakhstan
· Monotowns and liabilities related to socio-economic transition: government and industry
SRK consultants were joined by representatives of the industry (Ms. Dilnara Aitekenova, "CAML, Kounrad Copper Company" and Oleg Vilchik, "Kaz Minerals Ltd") who delivered their case studies on the subject as well as fostered the dialogue and made a great contributions to the discussions. SRK’s presentations at this event included:
“Evolution of Mine Closure Practices Worldwide” (Session 1)
Jeff Parshley, Corporate Consultant (Mine Closure), SRK US
“Kazakhstan Policy and Regulation in Mine Closure” (Session 1)
Sandugash Abdizhalelova, Consultant (Sustainability), SRK KZ
“Mine Closure in Kazakhstan: Issues, Gaps and Opportunities” (Session 1)
Zhanar Faizuldayeva, Associate Consultant (Mine Closure)
“Introduction to Integrated Mine Closure and Closure Across Mining Lifecycle” (Session 2)
Ralton Maree, Associate Consultant (Mine Closure), Nikolai Kirillov, Senior Consultant (Mine Closure), SRK KZ
“Planning for Closure and Closure Risk Assessment” (Session 2)
Ralton Maree, Associate Consultant (Mine Closure), Nikolai Kirillov, Senior Consultant (Mine Closure), SRK KZ
“Social Transition: Socio-Economic Aspects of Mine Closure” (Session 3)
Emily Harris, Principal Environmental Scientist, SRK UK
“Closure Cost Types, Estimates and Accounting” (Session 3)
Nikolai Kirillov, Senior Consultant (Mine Closure), SRK KZ
“Post Closure Activities and Relinquishment” (Session 3)
Jeff Parshley, Corporate Consultant (Mine Closure), SRK US
All SRK materials including presentations are available online. SRK will appreciate any feedback or inquiries regarding the contents of the presentations. Please submit your queries to the Workshop Organising Team at kzclosureworkshop2022@srk.kz or by phone at +7 701 485 7332.
