No off-season pause: how Elaman Group prepares for the season

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The off-season period in gold mining is not a pause, but a critically important stage that determines the success of the entire year. Erik Akhmetzhanov, Chief Geologist of Elaman Group, believes that this is the time when the core preparation takes place: equipment is repaired, necessary materials and spare parts are procured, and operational plans are developed. According to him, if everything is completed on time, the season proceeds without disruptions or unnecessary downtime.

These and many other issues were discussed in an interview with Erik Alikhanovich Akhmetzhanov, Chief Geologist of the investment and industrial holding Elaman Group.

“Season preparation is a comprehensive and multi-level process. We begin by updating the geological models of deposits, reviewing reserves, refining ore body boundaries, and carrying out office-based geological work. This is followed by the planning stage for exploration, mining, and overburden operations, as well as the preparation of equipment and infrastructure.

Particular attention is paid to the analysis of data from the previous season, as this improves forecast accuracy and production efficiency. Our company actively applies modern exploration methods and digital tools, which helps minimize risks and optimize processes.”

“What are the key challenges facing the geological service?”

“The main challenge is working with hard-to-recover reserves and increasing the gold recovery rate. In addition, sustainability remains an important factor. We are required to take environmental aspects into account and ensure the rational use of mineral resources.

It is also worth noting that the industry is becoming increasingly technology-driven. Therefore, we continuously improve the qualifications of our specialists and introduce new approaches to interpreting geological data.

At our company, all key decisions are made on the basis of data prepared by geologists. We regularly participate in strategic sessions where deposit prospects and investment priorities are discussed.

This format allows us to synchronize technical and managerial vision. In our holding, geology is integrated into strategic planning: we do not simply study deposits, we build the company’s long-term resource base.

Undoubtedly, a key role in implementing many initiatives and objectives belongs to Azamat Utegenov, the founder and managing partner of Elaman Group. He shapes the company’s strategic vision and sets high standards of performance.

Under his leadership, the company is actively developing international areas, attracting investment, and implementing modern technologies. For example, work is underway to expand projects and strengthen cooperation with foreign partners, which reinforces the company’s market position. Importantly, Azamat Slamkhanovich pays attention not only to the economics of projects, but also to sustainable development, safety, corporate culture, and media engagement.

“What are the priorities for the upcoming season?”

“First and foremost, expanding the resource base and improving the accuracy of geological models. We also plan to broaden exploration activities in new areas.

Overall, I believe that Kazakhstan’s gold mining industry will continue to develop actively through the introduction of new technologies and the expansion of international cooperation. This will improve production efficiency, optimize processes, and strengthen the country’s position in the global gold market.”

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