Toronto, March 1, 2026 – The Kazakh delegation, led by Vice Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan Iran Sharkhan, participated in the world’s largest international mining convention organized by the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC 2026). Vice Minister Sharkhan has been serving in this role since October 2023, after holding senior positions in the subsoil use and industry sectors within the Government of Kazakhstan.  

On the sidelines of the convention, the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with the Kazakhstan Mining Chamber and Aurora Minerals Group, with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Canada, organized the international forum “Kazakhstan Day”, dedicated to the country’s geological exploration potential.

Held under the theme “A New Wave of Geological Exploration in Kazakhstan: Strategic Projects”, the forum brought together government officials, executives of international mining companies, investors, and industry experts.

During the panel sessions, representatives of leading international companies, including Zijin Mining Group, Xcalibur Smart Mapping, and Pallas Resources, shared their experience of operating in Kazakhstan, discussed modern exploration technologies, and highlighted the long-term development potential of the country’s mineral resource base.

During the discussion, CEO Tim Barry (Arras Minerals Corp.) stated:

“Kazakhstan today stands out as one of the most promising emerging exploration jurisdictions. The scale of geological potential, the presence of underexplored territories, and ongoing regulatory modernization create real opportunities for new discoveries.”

The forum concluded with closing remarks from Ruslan Baimishev:

“We welcome everyone to a new wave of geological exploration.”

Kazakhstan Day at PDAC 2026 reaffirmed the strong international interest in Kazakhstan’s mineral potential and demonstrated the country’s commitment to expanding global cooperation in geological exploration and subsoil development.