PONEN at MINEX Kazakhstan 2025: Ethics, Competence and Implementation of KAZRC

The MINEX 2025 forum became a significant event in the field of mining and geology, where leading experts, professionals and representatives of organizations gathered to discuss current issues and trends in the industry. On April 9, as part of the forum, the Professional Association of Independent Subsoil Experts - PONEN held an open master class. The session lasted two hours instead of the planned one and a half - this allowed us to cover the topics in more depth and conduct a lively dialogue with the participants.

🔷 1. Implementation of KAZRC standards
Nikolai Yenshin opened the speech by talking about the role of Kazakhstan as a participant in the international CRIRSCO reporting system and the development of the national KAZRC standard. Ongoing work is underway to implement CRIRSCO codes in the CIS countries, CRIRSCO constantly takes part in events in Kazakhstan. 
Today, KAZRC is recognized as mandatory for all new exploration and production licenses. Since 2019, the Geology Committee has accepted 228 KAZRC reports, in the development of which more than 80 competent persons participated. 
Systematic work is underway: Methodological recommendations for the preparation of reports have been approved, the reading process has been streamlined , seminars and trainings are held on the application of the code.

🔷 2. Ethics and independence of experts
Dariya Yergaliyeva emphasized that the PONEN ethical code is not a formality, but a basis for trust. PONEN experts are required to work within their competence, and to maintain independence and objectivity. 
The discussion was accompanied by practical examples that showed the fine line between violation of ethics and fraud.

Compliance with the code of ethics, together with improving the quality of KAZRC reports , directly affects the formation of a favorable investment climate, reduces risks for investors and increases confidence in Kazakhstani projects in the international arena.

🔷 3. Continuous professional development
Alexandr Kuznetsov spoke about the professional development points (CPD) system in PONEN, as each member must earn at least 30 points per year.
Points are awarded for teaching, publishing, participating in projects, mentoring and other activities.
In 2024, more than 900 specialists took part in PONEN training events. In 2025, the focus is on expanding the training areas: geomechanics, hydrogeology, geophysics, geochemistry and ESG, as well as on a wider use of the online format, which made it possible to involve more than 1,000 specialists in training by April 2025.

🔷 4. QMR Accreditation: Why is it needed?
Zaure Kunanbayeva-Yerkhanova explained in detail what a QMR is – a qualified specialist in resource and reserve reporting.
Accreditation confirms that the expert has experience, understands the terminology, is proficient in the KAZRC principles and adheres to the code of ethics.
By April 2025, 40 people have been accredited. Reports signed by QMR-accredited Competent Persons, as assessed by readers demonstrate improvements in the quality of KAZRC reports .

🔷 5. KAZRC reporting standards: structure and requirements
Igor Usoltsev presented the structure of public reports, mandatory sections, principles of modeling and assessment. 
The need for field control, correct classification of resources, disclosure of modifying factors and compliance with the code at all stages - from geology to economic justifications - was emphasized.

“The KAZRC Code is not bureaucracy, but a language used to communicate with investors ,” noted Igor Ussoltsev.

Want to improve your reporting? Check out the PONEN Methodological Recommendations and sign up for the next seminar. 

🔷 6. A Reader's View of KAZRC Resource and Reserve Estimate Reports: Common Issues and Recommendations
Ruslan Erzhanov, reader of 12 reports, shared typical problems:
-  incomplete QA/QC programs,
-  weak justification of mineral resource and reserve categories,
-  errors in terminology,
-  insufficient study of modifying factors.
Practical advice is given for authors who want to prepare high-quality reports and pass the reading test on the first try.

The PONEN master class became a meaningful and interactive block of the forum. PONEN is growing, and we strive to develop together with you - openly, transparently and constructively. Such meetings form a culture of openness, responsibility and high professional level, without which sustainable development of the industry is impossible.


Presentation of the PONEN master class