Ivan Shubin, BSc, MSc, is a Senior Hydrogeologist with over 13 years of experience in mining hydrogeology. His expertise includes the design and numerical simulation of mine water management strategies for water control and slope stability, as well as the development of dewatering and depressurisation schemes for open pit slopes. He is also highly experienced in groundwater resource and reserve assessments, and in the coordination and management of field hydrogeological investigations and monitoring programmes.
Ivan has worked on numerous mineral projects in Russia and Central Asia, from exploration through to closure. He was based in Russia for more than 11 years, including eight years with HYDEC and over three years in the Geomechanics and Hydrogeology Department of SRK Russia. Since 2022, he has been with SRK UK, working on projects worldwide primarily as a groundwater modeller, applying best practice to estimate mine inflows, pore pressure, assess impacts, and evaluate water reserves.
Water Stewardship in Kazakhstan: Catchment‑Scale Thinking, Groundwater Potential and Opportunities for Joint Action
Kazakhstan has placed water security high on the national agenda, reflected in the new Water Code, the strengthening of basin‑level management and a growing focus on climate resilience. At the same time, the country faces increasing pressure on its water resources due to rising demand from agriculture, industry and communities, significant reliance on transboundary flows, and the need to better understand how groundwater can support long‑term water security.
This presentation will share preliminary insights from SRK’s internal initiative on water‑related risks and opportunities in Kazakhstan. The work combines a high‑level review of water resources and governance, discussions with local stakeholders, and experience from recent projects in Kazakhstan where catchment‑based water strategies, climate‑related water assessments and groundwater studies have been prepared in line with national legislation, water‑stewardship frameworks (such as the AWS Standard and ICMM guidance).
The talk will briefly:
highlight key themes emerging at the catchment scale, including surface water–groundwater linkages, climate and transboundary aspects;
reflect on lessons from project‑level work where water has been considered in its broader social, environmental and economic context; and
suggest possible entry points for joint work between authorities, industry and development partners, including the use of mining R&D funding for basin‑oriented studies.
The presentation is intended to open a discussion and invite feedback on how technical analysis, policy development and practical project work can be combined to support Kazakhstan’s water‑stewardship ambitions.
