At a Government session, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiev reported on the ongoing efforts to digitalize the mining sector in accordance with the instructions of the Head of State.

He noted that in the reporting year, 15 public services were available to citizens and organizations in the mining sector, 14 of which were available online. A total of 979 million services were provided over the year, with 919 million delivered in electronic format, accounting for 87.6% of the total.

The most in-demand public services included:

• Issuance of licenses for the operation of mining and chemical production activities;

• Issuance of documentation on the conditions for processing goods within or outside the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union;

• Issuance and reissuance of geological and/or mining allotments.

The Minister reported that as part of the digital transformation of public administration in Kazakhstan, business process reengineering is being carried out in the mining sector. One example is the procedure for issuing and reissuing geological and mining allotments.

Previously, this process was carried out through paper applications, email, or the e-Otinish system. It involved manual data verification, which extended processing times and increased the risk of errors.

As a result of reengineering, the process has been fully automated. Applications are now submitted online through the Unified Subsoil Use Platform – minerals.e-qazyna.kz. The platform includes an interactive subsoil use map with automatic restriction checks.

“This reduced the number of stages by 45% and lowered administrative burden by reducing business roles by 35%. The process became more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly, reduced human error, and strengthened user trust through a convenient online procedure,” Zhaslan Madiev said.

He also noted that startups and companies developing digital solutions for the mining sector are actively growing within the Astana Hub ecosystem. These include:

• Software and platforms for production planning and management;

• Digital twins of deposits;

• Monitoring and analytics systems;

• Innovative tools for improving extraction efficiency and ensuring safety at sites.

Since joining the technopark, these companies have generated over KZT 5 billion in revenue and created more than 100 jobs.

One example of digital technology implementation in the mining sector is minePASS – an integrated safety and underground production management system. The solution provides real-time control of personnel, equipment, and mine conditions, improving safety, process transparency, and underground mining efficiency.

Another example is a solution by Smart Technics, which develops and implements intelligent systems based on machine learning and Big Data. Their ionometric control system, implemented at the Zhezkazgan beneficiation plant, aims to increase mechanization and automation levels. This system optimizes and stabilizes processing parameters, boosting the recovery of valuable components from ore and improving the enterprise’s economic performance.

During the meeting, key global trends shaping the mining sector were presented. According to the data, the industry is actively adopting autonomous mining equipment such as unmanned dump trucks, robotic excavators, and drilling rigs. The market for such solutions is projected to exceed $12 billion by 2034. Secondly, artificial intelligence in mining is rapidly evolving and used for predictive analytics, exploration optimization, and process automation, with annual market growth exceeding 35%. The third trend is digital twins and simulation, which help to plan more accurately and manage production more effectively. This market is expected to grow to $275 billion by 2030. The fourth trend is the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), with sensors and monitoring systems enabling real-time equipment tracking and failure prevention.

In conclusion, the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry presented proposals to further enhance digitalization in the mining sector. The recommendations of the MDDIAI include:

• Accelerate digitalization and the implementation of Industry 4.0;

• Provide industrial enterprises in remote regions, where mining deposits are located, with reliable IoT connectivity and high-speed internet. This includes deploying 5G technologies or satellite solutions for stable and efficient operations;

• Actively implement sensors and AI-based solutions for environmental monitoring, including emissions control, water pollution, and overall environmental conditions in real time.

#Digitalization #Government session #Metallurgical Development

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