South Africa and Kazakhstan develop trade and economic relations in the mining industry

A round table discussion on "Geology and Mining Industry in South Africa: the Potential for Cooperation" was held as part of the MiningWorld Central Asia, MetalTech and Kazcomak 2016 exhibitions.

The main topics of discussion were the prospects of South Africa's partnership with Kazakhstan in the mining industry, as well as increasing the volume of mined minerals in South Africa and attraction of investors. Shirish M Sony, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa's to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Niyazbek Kurbanov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Geology and Subsoil Resources Management of the Ministry for Investments and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Murat Tulegenov, representative of the "Information and Analytical Center of Geology and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan", Saiyn Kydyrmanov, Acting Head of "Yuzhkaznedra” MD, Bolat Uzhkenov, President of "Volkovgeologiya" JSC and other officials of large companies took part in the round table.

Mining industry is one of the strategically important industries for South Africa. In terms of 2015, 7.7% of GDP accounted for MMC, 20% of private investments are attracted to the industry annually, 25% of all mined resources is exported. In addition, MMC South Africa provides 1.4 million workplaces for the country's citizens on an annual basis.

"We attach great importance to the development of this industry. Nearly 100% of the cement and aggregates construction of South Africa are produced locally and 80% of the steel is made locally from the local iron ore, chromium, manganese and carbon. Over 30% of the country's liquid fuel is produced domestically from local coal, and 95% of electricity is produced at power plants using local coal, "- Shirish Soni M, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of South Africa to Kazakhstan, explained. Moreover, most of chemicals, fertilizers, mineral waxes, and polyethylene polymers are made using locally produced minerals and coal, and 9% of world platinum catalysts is produced in South Africa.

In relation to the mining and metallurgical industry, Kazakhstan sets objectives such as increasing contribution to the economic development of the country, ensuring a fair distribution of income, workplaces and related sectors developments, promotion of new investments and creation of a competitive investment environment. In this regard, cooperation with South Africa will be able to facilitate the exchange of experience and technologies, advanced training of specialists, management of trade of mining equipment and machinery, as well as contribution to the investment climate in both countries.

Niyazbek Kurbanov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Geology and Subsoil Resources Management of the Ministry for Investments and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, noted high potential for cooperation in Kazakhstan and South Africa in his report, especially after more detailed acquaintance with the nuances of the South African mining sector at the 35th International Geological Congress and the International specialized mining exhibition GeoExpo-2016 held in Cape Town (South Africa) from 27 August to 4 September.

In the near future, a number of visits of representatives of Kazakhstan to the Republic of South Africa is planned with the aim of mutually beneficial cooperation. Political dialogue at the highest level creates the necessary conditions for the further development of strategic partnership between the two countries.