MiningWorld Summit 2025: Key Findings and New Development Vectors
The format created by the ITE team became a platform for strategic dialogue, where equipment suppliers and subsoil users discussed market trends, shared experiences, and set development guidelines for the coming years. The summit program included dozens of hours of live communication, discussions, and real-life case studies from over 20 experts, strengthening business ties well in advance of MiningWorld Russia 2026.
VIP reception at the Historical Museum
The summit kicked off with a closed evening at the State Historical Museum, where delegates toured the "Golden Treasures" exhibition, featuring a unique collection of decorative and applied arts and archaeological artifacts. The evening concluded with informal networking and a buffet—an excellent impetus for further negotiations and partnerships.
 |  |
VIP reception in the Golden Pantry of the Historical Museum on Red Square.
The main business program took place at the Hyatt Regency Petrovsky Park. Over two days, participants received over 10 hours of analysis on the state of the mining sector in Russia and the same number of hours of direct networking, with the opportunity to strengthen contacts with equipment manufacturers, suppliers, IT companies, and service integrators.
Day 1 – December 3
On December 3, Marina Chelak, Director of MiningWorld Russia, opened the summit's business program with a welcoming address. She explained that the exhibition has grown into Russia's only mining ecosystem and noted, "The industry needs regular dialogue—and that's how the MiningWorld Summit was born, for strategic networking."
What should subsoil users and suppliers to mining companies prepare for in 2025–2030?
The first analytical session, "Mining Industry 2025–2030. What Should Subsoil Users and Mining Suppliers Prepare for?" presented a macroeconomic overview of the industry, preliminary results for 2025, and key trends. Session moderator Alexandra Zababurina, Director of the Marketing and Strategic Research Group, noted that the industry is operating in a crisis: increasing sanctions pressure, logistical challenges, declining profitability, and declining demand in the domestic market. Therefore, companies must adapt to the situation by seeking new markets and partners to maintain stability.
Speakers of the analytical session (from left to right): Alexandra Zababurina, Director, Infrastructure and Project Finance Practice; Ilya Ilyin, Head of the Banking and Financial Markets Analysis Department, Center for Analysis and Expertise, PSB; Andrey Lovkov, Commercial Director and founder of the research company ID-Marketing; Alexander Chulok, Director of the Center for Scientific and Technological Forecasting, ISSEK, HSE.
Ilya Ilyin, Head of the Banking and Financial Markets Analysis Department at PSB's Center for Analysis and Expertise, identified the industry's main challenges for 2022–2025+, ranked from most severe to least severe: weakening demand, labor shortages, rising costs, expensive loans, payments, and logistics. In his report's conclusion, the expert predicted GDP growth, a reduction in the key rate, and inflation. In light of this, he recommended that companies develop analytics, antifragility, diversification, and financial flexibility.
Andrey Lovkov, Commercial Director and founder of the research company ID-Marketing, presented a detailed analysis of mining equipment imports in Russia in 2025. The expert noted a decline in supplies across almost all markets, the continuation of parallel imports, and the emergence of new players such as India and Turkey.
Alexander Chulok, Director of the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) Center for Science and Technology Forecasting, discussed global and national trends impacting the future of natural resource extraction. He focused on forecasting in general and the foresight system: "The future cannot be predicted; it can only be shaped." The speaker also emphasized the importance of building ecosystems and investing in new technologies.
Subsoil Use in Russia: Strategy, Prospects, and Challenges
At the plenary session, "Subsoil Use in Russia: Strategy, Prospects, and Challenges," attended by heads of mining companies, the strategic objectives for developing the mining industry in the Russian Federation and the creation of regulatory conditions for the development of rare earth metal and other mineral extraction were discussed.
The moderator was Yuri Tamantsev, a journalist and presenter on the RBC television channel. He posed the question of business capacity and added, "The goal of business, besides making a profit, is to generate pride in our country."
Maxim Dovgyallo, executive secretary of the RSPP Civil Procedure Committee, noted that "movement forward is possible if we not only discuss issues but also communicate consolidated decisions to decision-makers." The expert highlighted the problem of the extended timeframe from licensing to the start of production, which in Russia amounts to approximately 1,200 days.
Speakers of the plenary session (from left to right): Yuri Tamantsev, journalist and presenter on the RBC TV channel, Rinat Gizatulin, Deputy General Director of JSC Uralchem, Maxim Dovgyallo, Executive Secretary of the RSPP Civil Procedure Committee, Andrey Trenin, General Director of JSC Arcmineral-Resource, Alexey Kistenev, Deputy Executive Director of the Association of Miners of Russia, Tatyana Buyankina, Head of Equipment Procurement at PJSC Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works.
Rinat Gizatulin, Deputy CEO of Uralchem, called for the removal of administrative barriers and a systematic review of approaches to the types of minerals needed by the state and the economy. Andrey Trenin, CEO of Arcmineral-Resource, spoke about the Afrikanda project and the role of rare earth metals in the economy today. The expert emphasized that developing a domestic rare earth metals industry based on the "raw materials – smart devices – services" model is a matter of national security and sovereignty.
Alexey Kistenev, Deputy Executive Director of the Association of Miners of Russia, stated that the first priority is to think about what the consumer needs. The expert noted that competing with Chinese companies for Russian consumers is difficult without government support. At the end of the session, Tatyana Buyankina, Head of Equipment Procurement at PJSC MMK, discussed working with the Chinese equipment market and the stages of building relationships with Chinese partners.
Operational efficiency and modernization of production capacities of gas processing enterprises
The final event of the first day was a panel discussion with mining companies entitled "Maintaining Operational Efficiency and Modernizing Production Capacities at Mining and Processing Enterprises. How to Ensure Reliability and Efficiency of Production with Existing Technical and Technological Capabilities?" In addition to production efficiency, experts discussed digitalization, AI, and lean manufacturing principles.
Moderator Sergey Goncharov, Director of the Operational Efficiency and Transformation Group at DRT, discussed the essence of lean manufacturing: "At the core of lean manufacturing is the idea that companies should eliminate waste—defects and overproduction. We've reached a contradiction where we're not just eliminating waste associated with the human factor; we're trying to eliminate the human factor itself."
Panel discussion speakers (from left to right): Sergey Goncharov, Director of the Operational Efficiency and Transformation Group, DRT; Evgeny Kopylov, Director of Operational Efficiency, Novaya Gornaya UK; Anatoly Kuznetsov, Director of Operational Efficiency and Data Management, Mining Division, SUEK; Vladimir Stasyuk, Head of Digitalization and Process Transformation, Norilsk Nickel; and Denis Aleshin, Head of Development, HEADMINER.
Evgeny Kopylov, Director of Operational Efficiency at Novaya Gornaya Management Company, discussed the company's digital operational efficiency tools and practical implementation experience. He also shared the results of using tools such as a problem-solving board and an idea factory. Denis Aleshin, Head of Development at HEADMINER, focused his presentation on improving operational efficiency by outsourcing. He detailed how outsourcing open-pit mining and field infrastructure construction helps maintain and improve the operational efficiency of mining projects.
Anatoly Kuznetsov, Director of Operational Efficiency and Data Management at SUEK's Mining Division, stated, "Creating a system that will consistently generate improvements within the company requires a change in corporate culture. This is a long, complex, and painstaking process. However, the behavior of all company employees can be modeled here and now." The expert discussed SUEK's business model for continuous process management and outlined five fundamental building blocks for supporting change: vision, skills, motivation, resources, and an action plan.
Vladimir Stasyuk, Head of Digitalization and Process Transformation at Norilsk Nickel, emphasized that lean manufacturing is a never-ending process that requires constant re-motivation.
Most speakers agreed that traditionally, efficiency is considered from three perspectives (people, processes, and technology), but today, new methods and technologies are changing the way we approach operational efficiency.
Networking and closing of the evening
The first day of the MiningWorld Summit concluded with a buffet featuring live music and a raffle for memorable prizes, where delegates could easily and comfortably establish new business connections or strengthen existing ones. Furthermore, a cigar room was set up on the hotel's ground floor, where Cuban Jose demonstrated how to roll cigars from tobacco leaves.
 |  |
Day 2 – December 4
How to Turn Any Contact into a Long-Term Partnership
Elena Vavilova, a retired colonel in the Foreign Intelligence Service and an expert in interpersonal communication, spoke as a special guest on the second day of the summit. She discussed techniques for conducting successful negotiations, reaching key business players, and acquiring and retaining clients.
The expert stated: “Your development and professional success will depend on who is around you – this is a strategic approach to communication that requires practice.”
 |  |
Speaker Elena Vavilova, retired colonel of the Foreign Intelligence Service and expert on interpersonal communication, and delegates of the MiningWorld Summit 2025.
Elena Vavilova added that a person is responsible for their own communication, and how and with whom you spend your time is important. During her presentation, she identified three elements of a stable relationship: shared interests, emotional connection, and a shared social circle. The expert also explained the benefits one can offer their partner: useful contacts, compliments, assistance, knowledge, and skills. She also identified three stages of negotiations: creating a friendly atmosphere, identifying the partner's needs and exchanging opinions, and developing a common position on the problem.
How to become a preferred supplier to the mining industry
The seminar, "How to Make Your Company the Mining Industry's Choice," was led by Ilya Balakhnin, Managing Partner of the consulting agency Paper Planes. He discussed how to understand clients' real needs and justify the cost of your product.
According to the expert, when high-quality alternatives to a product appear on the market, competition becomes service-based and then price-based. He identified four non-mutually exclusive tactics for resisting price pressure: lean purchasing or lean manufacturing, new product development, customer centricity, and expert sales.
Ilya Balakhnin then divided the counterparties into the end user, the technical buyer, and the economic buyer. He concluded: "Expert sales is a combination of technologies that allow you to structure the interaction process in a way that finds an economic buyer or converts the end user and technical buyer into economic buyers."
At the end of the presentation, the audience learned about five expert sales technologies: pre-sell, TCO (total cost of ownership), preparation of commercial proposals, post-sales scoring, and client development based on progress.
Effective procurement in the mining industry
The MiningWorld Summit business program concluded with a panel session for mining procurement executives entitled "Efficient Procurement in the Mining Industry: How to Ensure the Smooth Operation of Mining Companies in the Face of Current Restrictions?"
Experts discussed key procurement challenges and solutions for 2026, procurement management strategies, and supplier selection criteria. The session was moderated by Georgy Sukhadolsky, Advisor to the General Director of the Union of Purchasing Companies.
Andrey Bryzgalov, Deputy Head of ALROSA's Procurement Services Department, discussed the mechanics of participating in the company's procurement processes, the specifics of working with the corporate electronic platform, priorities in working with suppliers, ALROSA's procurement principles, including sustainable development. He also addressed the main mistakes participants make when submitting applications and invited those present to collaborate.
Speakers of the panel session (from left to right): Georgy Sukhadolsky, Advisor to the General Director of the Union of Purchasing Companies, Tatyana Buyankina, Head of Equipment Procurement Department at PJSC MMK, Alexander Gerasimov, business expert in procurement and supply chains, Trust Technologies, Vyacheslav Grekov, Head of Services Procurement at PJSC Severstal, Viktor Kodanev, Director of Education and Consulting at Bidzaar, Professor of Practice at the Higher School of Business at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, author of the expert Telegram channel "The Last Envelope" @v_kodanev, Pavel Okhtin, Director of Materials and Technical Department at Gornorudny Mining LLC, Alexey Chernyshev, Deputy Director of Procurement for Development and Organization of Supply at PJSC Uralkali, Andrey Bryzgalov, Deputy Head of Services Procurement Department at AK ALROSA.
Supplier interaction was the topic of Tatyana Buyankina, Head of Equipment Procurement at PAO MMK, in her presentation. She noted, "We can only grow together with our suppliers, developing them." Vyacheslav Grekov, Head of Services Procurement at PAO Severstal, focused on digital procurement projects and the digital ecosystem.
Alexey Chernyshev, Deputy Director of Procurement for Development and Supply Chain Management at Uralkali PJSC, identified a way to help the customer formulate specifications: focusing the purchasing manager on what's important, rather than trying to eliminate unnecessary details.
Viktor Kodanev, Director of Education and Consulting at Bidzaar, Professor of Practice at the HSE Graduate School of Business, and author of the expert Telegram channel "The Last Envelope" (@v_kodanev), explained: "Procurement is currently a supplier's market, so companies need to consciously and purposefully improve their attractiveness and their processes, as well as develop their customer brand." The speaker identified digital literacy, effective cross-functional communication, and social interaction skills as key competencies for the buyer of the future.
Pavel Okhtin, Director of the Materials and Technical Department of Mining Mining LLC, emphasized the importance of effectively organizing expert reviews within the customer's team, specifically the interaction between technical and commercial experts. He stated that such a system, coupled with supplier guarantees, will allow for purchasing decisions to be made at a price that exceeds the minimum price.
Alexander Gerasimov, a procurement and supply chain business expert at Trust Technologies, discussed the operational efficiency of the future of procurement. Specifically, he highlighted tools such as the FRD and Task & Process Mining.
MiningWorld Summit 2025 Results
The second day of the MiningWorld Summit concluded with a reception and networking session. Delegates had the opportunity to gain an objective understanding of the state of the industry, identify business development opportunities, and strengthen and expand their companies' positions in the mining supply market.
 |  |
MiningWorld Summit was supported by the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP). We would like to express our gratitude to our organizing partner, HEADMINER; our cultural program partner, the State Historical Museum; our business program partner, Trust Technologies; and our intellectual partner, Women in Moderm Industries. We would also like to thank our media partners: the magazine "Mining Industry," the portal dprom.online, the magazine "Globus: Geology and Business," the scientific, technical, and production magazine "Mining Industry," the industrial portal ProfiMiner, the business portal NEDRADV, the magazine "Our Region Far East," and the information agency Nedra Rossii.
We thank all delegates and speakers of MiningWorld Summit 2025 for their participation!
See you at the 30th anniversary International Exhibition of Machinery and Equipment for Mining, Processing, and Transportation of Natural Resources, MiningWorld Russia, April 22–24, 2026!