Format: Presentations and panel discussion organised in partnership with SLR Consulting

Water is no longer just an environmental commodity in Kazakhstan; it is a strategic economic asset. Water scarcity in Kazakhstan is escalating, with the UN’s "Water Stress" indicator (SDG 6.4.2) for the country rising to 34.1%-significantly above the global average. While the government has integrated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into high-level policy, recent analysis reveals a critical disconnect between these national strategies and the practical environmental standards applied at mine sites. To address water scarcity challenges, Kazakhstan is introducing National Water Resource Assessment System and Mandatory transition to closed water supply cycles. This session offers a roadmap for transforming water management from a compliance burden into a competitive advantage, ensuring that Kazakhstan’s mining sector remains resilient in a climate-constrained future.