As part of the Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress 2026 (AMM 2026), a series of high-level events were held to strengthen international cooperation in the mining sector, attract investment, and advance the development of critical minerals.
On June 11, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov chaired the 19th Kazakhstan–European Union Dialogue Platform meeting, bringing together heads of European diplomatic missions, leading business associations, and international companies.
The meeting focused on improving the investment climate, expanding trade and industrial cooperation, harmonizing technical standards, and strengthening collaboration in geological exploration and critical raw materials.
Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized that the European Union remains Kazakhstan’s largest trade and investment partner, accounting for more than 30% of the country’s foreign trade, while cumulative European investment in Kazakhstan has exceeded USD 200 billion. Particular attention was given to cooperation in critical minerals and the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor).
During the meeting, Said Sultanov, Managing Director of Xcalibur Smart Mapping Kazakhstan, presented initiatives focused on the implementation of modern geoscience technologies, modernization of geological infrastructure, and high-precision airborne geophysical surveys aimed at unlocking Kazakhstan’s mineral potential and supporting the development of the critical minerals sector.
A day earlier, on June 10, the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue was held in Astana, bringing together representatives of the United States and the countries of Central Asia to discuss opportunities for cooperation in geological exploration, mining, processing, and the development of critical mineral supply chains.
During the Dialogue, the U.S. side reaffirmed that critical minerals remain a strategic priority for the United States. David Fogel, Assistant Secretary of Commerce, highlighted Kazakhstan’s significant resource potential and emphasized the country’s importance in building secure and diversified critical mineral supply chains.
On the sidelines of the event, Said Sultanov, CEO of Aurora Minerals Group, noted that Kazakhstan continues to attract growing international interest from major mining investors and operators.
“Russian, European, and Chinese companies are already actively involved in exploration projects across Kazakhstan. The arrival of U.S. companies will further strengthen competitiveness in the sector and create new opportunities for investment, technology transfer, and industry development,” said Sultanov.
The discussions held during AMM 2026 highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing role as a strategic hub for critical minerals development and reinforced the country’s position as a reliable partner for international investors and global supply chains.
