Preliminary agenda

The Forum will facilitate open discussion on mining development across Russia’s metal-rich regions, renewal of mineral reserves and resources, industrial infrastructure development, innovative solutions for mining modernisation, training & education, and much more. The Forum agenda will feature over 100 keynotes, plenary and technical talks presented by leading Russian and international experts.

PLENARY SESSIONS
________________________________________

RUSSIAN MINING TODAY AND TOMORROW

Key challenges for domestic mining sector. Commodity trade wars – looking forward to supply and demand trends in the metals and mining sector. Mining investment outlook for Russia. State support for investors in metals and mining industry. Government Reforms to boost Geological prospecting. Russian regions – Initiatives and development plans for subsoil use. Economic sanctions – a reality check. Responsible Mining – economic, environmental and social aspects.

BUILDING CAPACITY FOR GROWTH AND EFFICIENCY

Tackling tomorrow’s mining challenges today. Strategies and Projects implemented by major mining companies in Russia for Strengthening business processes to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Building up mineral recourses – priority projects developed by major companies.

MINING REGULATION

Changes in the Russian subsoil use tax regulatory and legal system. Improvements in the regulation addressing the need for the development of geological exploration. Regulatory changes, data analysis and implementation of technological solutions that allow to effectively support health and safety. Mine closure and post mining land reclamation requirements.

JUNIOR MINING

Geological Prospecting: current role of state, major and junior miners. Who are Russian Mining Juniors – overview of the Junior mining segment in the past decade. Success stories of growing medium size production in Russia. What business models are most attractive for junior companies in the Russian market? Practical experiences in creating value and minimize risks related to exploration, mining, and processing of mineral resources. Funding sources and opportunities for Junior mining development. Prospects for the development of medium and small mines.

INTELLIGENT MINING

Potential Impact that digital transformation can have on the work, workforce and workplace. How can mining companies capitalise on digital revolution? Government commitments for creating environment for the integration of digital technologies in domestic mining. Introduction of ‘smart’ solutions in all areas of mining cycle to reduce costs, optimise resource management, improve decision making, make mines more efficient and add investment value. Examples of self-funded and people-driven digital transformation projects. Implementation of Machine learning, AI and blockchain technologies in the mining sector – from theory to practice.

MEETING ENERGY METALS DEMAND

Commodity outlook for renewable and energy metals. Energy metals projects overview in Russia. Building capacity for metal demand pick-up in demand for electric vehicles.

 

TECHNICAL SESSIONS
________________________________________

DEVELOPING A JUNIOR MINING BUSINESS IN RUSSIA

RosNEDRA made it easier to apply for licences several years ago and the Russian government indicated its support to develop a junior mining industry in the Far East and reduce the role of Sate in exploration (besides the deposits of the federal significance). The objective of this session will be to provide advice to geologists and investors on how to create a successful junior miner. Topics that will be covered include: Target generation – how to research potential targets before applying for a licence; Acquiring a licence; Discarding targets – how to not spend further time and money on occurrences which are unlikely to become economic targets; Progressing from early stage exploration to project – progressing all technical disciplines at the right time; Valuing exploration at all stages; Understanding investor needs – which minerals and what size targets attract investment? what information do they need to receive, how frequently and how? Developing an exit strategy – a good explorer may not necessarily be a good project developer or miner.

INTELLIGENT EXPLORATION – SMARTER, FASTER AND ACCURATE

Improving discovery efficiency. Going deeper – the use of the 4th generation ground-scanning of geological structures. Mobile analytical geochemical laboratories – savings time and money of geological exploration. Use of unmanned aerial vehicles in magnetic survey. Present and future of satellite imaging in geological exploration. Precision drilling – new technologies. Increasing orebody value – bridging the gap between geology and metallurgy.

LOOKING DEEPER – EXPLORATION OF HIDDEN ORE DEPOSITS

Use of the Traditional and Advanced Geophysical, Mineralogical and Geochemical Methods for exploration and testing of deposits. Modern trends in geophysical surveys and applications of interpretations techniques. Practical examples of discoveries of hidden mineralisation and potential ore fields. What methods can provide better accuracy for exploration of covered ore deposits and areas in modern conditions in Russia?

INTEGRATED MINE PLANNING AND DESIGN RECONCILIATION

Modern challenging of mine planning and mine production – designing for efficiency. How developing a more detailed geological model can help improve planning and optimise mining operations. Planning infrastructure of a mining enterprise – experiences in implementing logistics IT systems and digital technologies. Modern solutions for tracking production and accuracy, while maintaining safety and productivity results to allow management decision support to mining operations. Geomechanical support of the mining structures and quarry pits. Geometallurgy – current use of interdisciplinary approach to the evaluation of mineral resources. Digital Field Mapping. Reconciliation of production status with grade control. Steps taken for updating requirements documents and adopting international standards.

OPEN PIT AND UNDERGROUND MINING

Technological challenges of modern open pit and underground mining. Preparing comprehensive analysis of the mining, geological, and physical & mechanical properties of the ore body. Implementation of advanced technologies to ensure quality, efficiency and safety of open pit mining. Features of the application of EWV mining operations. Advanced mine transportation and safety systems. Progressive methods of transport infrastructure management. Key elements of a highly efficient mining machinery maintenance systems. Blasthole Geological Validation. Integrated solutions to reduce the loss of minerals and minimise their dilution. Best practices for managing degasification and methane emissions in underground mining. Modelling of underground borehole leaching.

MINERAL PROCESSING

Technological advancements in mineral processing and enrichment. Ore sorting – reducing waste. Refractory ore and high-resistance minerals processing in Russia – outlook on economic potential and technological challenges. Economical solutions for filtration, thickening, pumping and dewatering.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

Changes in environmental regulation. New technologies for mining waste processing and storage. Water resources management. Mine closure and post-mining reconciliation. Geomonitoring. Geochemical assessment and waste management. Regulatory changes, data analysis and implementation of technological solutions that allow to effectively support health and safety. Updates on the world’s most efficient safety methods.

CREATING SKILLS AND SUPPORTING INNOVATION

Does Russian mining sector experience skills shortage and in what areas? What skills and training are required to meet modern and future mining industry demands? Overview of collaboration examples between academia and mining businesses in creating jobs, supporting innovation and achieving “fitness for purpose”.

MEDIA IN RUSSIAN MINING

Overview of the Russian mining media market: Corporate, Scientific and Regional platforms. Modern regulation of the industry-focused media in Russia. The role of mining media in corporate reputation management and information disclosure. Can the media afford to maintain independent status-quo in modern political and economic climate? Is the traditional media replaced by social media and internet? What is the future of industry-focused media publications in Russia?