MINEX Russia 2016 – the 12th Russian Mining and Exploration Forum has successfully concluded in Moscow

From 4 to 6 October over 500 heads and specialists from Russian and international companies and organisations took part in the forum.

Prior to the start of the forum  four master classes dedicated to practical aspects of improving mining efficiency and safety were organised by ConitTech, SRK Counslting, Navgeocom, Maptek, GroundProbe, IMC Montan and AMC Consultants.

The first day of the Forum’s agenda began with the third annual round table hosted by the Federal Agency of Subsoil Use of the Russian Federation. The heads of the agency discussed with over 80 Russian and International mining companies important issues concerning mining regulation and business practices. The faltering auctioning of new mining licences proved to be the hottest topic during the session. At the meeting, the Union of Gold Producers of Russia presented proposals on several key amendments to the subsoil use law in order to stimulate growth and remove investment barriers.

At the forum’s opening session Evgeniy Kiselev, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources -the Head of the Federal Agency for Subsoil Use and Mr Timur Toktabaev the Vice Minister of the Ministry for Investments and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan presented keynotes which addressed important developments in the Mining sector in Russia and Kazakhstan.

Over 100 speakers and panellists presented their views and projects at 12 themed sessions organised during the two days of the Forum.

Over 50 Russian and International companies exhibited at the trade and investment show organised alongside the Forum. The show attracted around 900 business visitors from Russia and overseas.

The forum materials will be published on the site on the 30^th of October 2016.

The study, conducted as part of the event, entitled “Sources of growth in the Russian mining sector” shows that the participants of the Russian mining industry have high hopes for the growth of the industry in general and their individual segments in the near future.

The speaker reports made during the forum also echoed the sentiment that the state of affairs in the industry is quietly starting to improve.

Business and government are seeking new ways of profitable cooperation. As a general rule this involves building infrastructure, permitting companies to launch new mining projects at lower costs.

Another important issue is the lack of interesting geological ideas and start-ups developed by junior companies. This problem is understood by both the regulators and major companies for who junior projects could become a fruitful ground for further development. The recently launched “Vostok” platform is one of the attempts at finding a solution of funding junior mining companies.