The AIFC is launching a specialized platform to attract investment in early-stage exploration projects
Today, 65% of Kazakhstan’s territory remains geologically underexplored. Around 3,000 exploration licenses have been issued in the country, and their development requires attracting investment. At the same time, the limited confirmation of reserves in accordance with international standards JORC and KAZRC1 constrains access to financing for certain projects. In this context, the launch of the Junior Mining Platform is aimed at creating more favorable conditions and reducing barriers to investment in geological exploration.
Ahead of MINEX Kazakhstan 2026, the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC, the Centre) announced the launch of the Junior Mining Platform, a dedicated platform designed to attract investment into early-stage geological exploration projects. The initiative and the opening of applications for junior mining companies (enterprises specializing in early-stage geological exploration) were announced during the first meeting of the AIFC Mining Experts Council (Council).
The Council has been established as an advisory body under the AIFC and is aimed at supporting the development of Kazakhstan’s mining and metals sector through the introduction of modern financial instruments and the attraction of private capital.
The Council brings together leading industry participants, with representation from national companies, international investors, and the AIFC. Members include Nariman Absametov, Chairman of the Management Board of Tau-Ken Samruk National Mining Company JSC; Yerlan Galiyev, Chairman of the Management Board of National Geological Service JSC; Aida Alzhanova, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Solidcore Resources; Said Sultanov, Founder of Aurora Minerals Group; Tim Barry, Chief Executive Officer of Arras Minerals Corp.; Zhanbolat Kakishev, Chief Product Officer of the AIFC Authority; and others.
The Junior Mining Platform is an initiative through which the AIFC acts as a bridge between junior mining companies and investors. The platform creates a structured pipeline of projects that undergo preliminary screening and selection against a set of criteria, followed by a presentation to international and domestic investors. Thus, the platform provides investors with access to various projects in the mining and metals industry, and license holders with access to capital.
Zhanbolat Kakishev, Chief Product Officer of the AIFC Authority, noted:
"Today, the sector’s main challenge is the lack of structured access to capital at the early stages. The Junior Mining Platform is designed to address precisely this issue. We are creating a transparent and accessible environment where projects can secure financing at an early stage, while investors can gain access to a database of projects selected according to industry-recognized criteria."
Ahead of MINEX Kazakhstan 2026, the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC, the Centre) announced the launch of the Junior Mining Platform, a dedicated platform designed to attract investment into early-stage geological exploration projects. The initiative and the opening of applications for junior mining companies (enterprises specializing in early-stage geological exploration) were announced during the first meeting of the AIFC Mining Experts Council (Council).
The Council has been established as an advisory body under the AIFC and is aimed at supporting the development of Kazakhstan’s mining and metals sector through the introduction of modern financial instruments and the attraction of private capital.
The Council brings together leading industry participants, with representation from national companies, international investors, and the AIFC. Members include Nariman Absametov, Chairman of the Management Board of Tau-Ken Samruk National Mining Company JSC; Yerlan Galiyev, Chairman of the Management Board of National Geological Service JSC; Aida Alzhanova, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Solidcore Resources; Said Sultanov, Founder of Aurora Minerals Group; Tim Barry, Chief Executive Officer of Arras Minerals Corp.; Zhanbolat Kakishev, Chief Product Officer of the AIFC Authority; and others.
The Junior Mining Platform is an initiative through which the AIFC acts as a bridge between junior mining companies and investors. The platform creates a structured pipeline of projects that undergo preliminary screening and selection against a set of criteria, followed by a presentation to international and domestic investors. Thus, the platform provides investors with access to various projects in the mining and metals industry, and license holders with access to capital.
Zhanbolat Kakishev, Chief Product Officer of the AIFC Authority, noted:
"Today, the sector’s main challenge is the lack of structured access to capital at the early stages. The Junior Mining Platform is designed to address precisely this issue. We are creating a transparent and accessible environment where projects can secure financing at an early stage, while investors can gain access to a database of projects selected according to industry-recognized criteria."
