D.A. Kunaev Institute of Mining

About the Institute

Full name of the branch:

Branch of the Republican State Enterprise "National Center for Complex Processing of Mineral Raw Materials of the Republic of Kazakhstan" – "D. A. Kunaev Institute of Mining" (D. A. Kunaev IM).

Subordination and Status:

It is a branch of the RSE "NC CPMR RK", the leading scientific organization in Kazakhstan's mining and metallurgical industry.

The D. A. Kunaev Institute of Mining is a leading and oldest scientific center of Kazakhstan in the field of mining science, which laid the foundation for the technological development of the entire mining industry of the country. Since its establishment in 1944, the Institute has served as a fundamental support for one of the key sectors of the economy, providing scientific support for the development of the Republic's rich mineral resources.

As a key component within the structure of the National Center for Complex Processing of Mineral Raw Materials, the Institute implements an integrated approach covering the entire technological chain — from geological exploration and design to the development and implementation of advanced extraction technologies, ensuring industrial and environmental safety, automation, and digitalization of production processes. This enables the Institute to act as a system integrator, connecting fundamental scientific research with the real needs of industrial giants.

Today, the D. A. Kunaev Institute of Mining is not just a research institution, but a strategic partner of the state and business in the areas of rational subsoil use, increasing profitability, and enhancing the competitiveness of the mining and metallurgical complex. The accumulated experience, unique human potential, and modern technical infrastructure allow the Institute to solve the most complex and ambitious tasks facing the industry.

History

Year of establishment: 1944

Main stages of development:

• 1944 – The Institute was established as part of the Kazakh Branch of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR to provide scientific support for the rapidly developing mining industry.
• 1993 – Became part of the "National Center for Complex Processing of Mineral Raw Materials of the Republic of Kazakhstan" (NC CPMR RK), becoming a key link in the chain from extraction to processing.
• 1994 – The Institute was named after the outstanding statesman Dinmukhamed Akhmedovich Kunaev.
• 2012 – Transformed into a branch of the RSE "NC CPMR RK", strengthening its integration with other scientific centers of the industry.

Mission and Goals

Main Areas of Activity

Implemented Developments in Recent Years

The Institute successfully implements complex projects for leading mining companies in Kazakhstan. Key implemented developments include:

• Geomechanical Support and Slope Stability of Open Pits:

  Example: Development of a regulation on slope and bench stability for the combined Sarsai and South Sarsai open pits (JSC “SSGPO”), taking into account deepening to elevations of -660 m and -450 m.

• Digitalization and Automation of Mining Operations:

  Example 1: Implementation of the automated positioning system “ASPiO-Mine” at several underground mines in Kazakhstan to monitor personnel and equipment in real time.

  Example 2: Development of a software and hardware complex for high-precision satellite positioning, creating a unified geodetic framework for all stages of deposit development.

• Development of Technological Regulations:

  Example 1: Creation of a technological regulation to increase production volumes at a deposit.

  Example 2: Development of a technological regulation for safe backfilling of an open pit with overburden material from another quarry.

• Project Documentation (Mining and Closure Plans):

  Example: Development of a Mining Plan and Closure Plan for a Barite deposit. Similar projects are regularly carried out for various subsoil users.

• 3D Geotechnical Modeling:

  Example: Creation and implementation of digital 3D geotechnical models for various mines, including the development of regulations for maintaining their relevance and training customer personnel.

Types of Services and Research

Major Projects

The Institute provides ongoing scientific and technical support for the activities of Kazakhstan’s largest subsoil users. Examples include long-term cooperation with major companies such as JSC “SSGPO”, LLP “Nova-Zinc”, LLP “Voskhod-Oriel”, JSC “AltynEx”, JSC “Altynalmas”, LLP “Altyntau Kokshetau”, and LLP “Kazzinc”, for which large-scale projects are carried out on slope stability calculations, deformation monitoring, and the development of safety and positioning systems.

Contact Information