The D.A. Kunaev Mining Institute strengthens cooperation with partners from the United States and Switzerland

A panel session on "Monitoring and Control of Geomechanical Processes – the Basis for Safe and Efficient Mining" was held as part of the AMM-2026 International Mining and Metallurgical Congress.

The session was organized by the branch of the D.A. Kunayev Mining Institute of the Republican State Enterprise "NC CPMRM RK" of the Committee of Industry of the Ministry of Railways of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event brought together leading Russian and international scientists, representatives of mining companies, engineering organizations, and developers of innovative technologies to discuss pressing issues of ensuring the stability of rock masses and improving mining safety.

Vice Consul of the US Embassy Anastasia Mukherjee and Deputy Chairman of the Committee of Industry of the Ministry of Railways of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Alibekov addressed the participants with welcoming remarks.

During the panel discussion, leading experts from Kazakhstan, the United States, and Switzerland discussed modern methods for assessing deposit stability, the implementation of advanced geomechanical solutions, and the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in geomechanical studies.

Of particular interest were the developments of the D.A. Kunayev Institute of Mining: areal monitoring of industrial area deformations using InSAR satellite radar interferometry and the GeoMonitor.AI web system. The results allow for the identification of deformation risk zones, analysis of displacement dynamics, and identification of areas for ground-based verification. Integration of InSAR and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations is proposed to improve industrial safety and inform the management of geomechanical risks at mining sites. The developed geoportal consolidates the results of comprehensive geomonitoring and is available for public access.

The panel session provided a platform for exchanging international experience, discussing innovative solutions, and developing practical recommendations aimed at improving industrial safety, the sustainability of mining operations, and the efficiency of mineral resource development.

An important outcome was the signing of two memorandums of intent. A document of intent was signed with an American company to establish a geomechanics laboratory at the D.A. Kunaev Mining Institute. A memorandum of cooperation was also signed with a Swiss company, under which it is planned to open a specialized shoring system strength testing laboratory at the D.A. Kunaev Mining Institute for specialized testing and research.

Source: www.gov.kz/memleket