The Japanese government’s SATREPS program is being implemented at NU in collaboration with Hokkaido University.
This initiative aims to support international scientific research between Japan and developing countries to address global challenges.
Last year, the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) announced the launch of a call for proposals in three key areas: environment, energy/bioresources/disaster, prevention and mitigation. Out of 64 proposals, the expert committee selected 10 scientific projects following an evaluation and interviews with the candidates. Among these, the joint project led by Professor Yohei Kawamura from Hokkaido University and Professor Fidelis Suorineni from NU was chosen. Kazakhstan is participating in this program for the first time, alongside 56 other countries.
The Kazakhstan-Japan scientific project, titled Next-generation Smart Mining Plus for Sustainable Resources Development, aims to develop an environmentally safe mining system in Kazakhstan. The project will focus on achieving a balance between industrial development and decarbonization. With its rich natural resources, including rare metals, Kazakhstan faces challenges related to carbon emissions and water pollution caused by mining activities. The research will explore the integration of smart technologies and environmentally friendly mining methods to address these issues.
The research will continue until March 31, 2030, with a total grant of $3.2 million. The project’s goals include the creation of an environmental monitoring system, the development of a digital twin, the implementation of pollution control technologies, and the advancement of the institutional framework for “Smart Mining+.”
The project is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Additionally, NU will gain significant advantages from this project, including the supply of modern equipment, faculty exchanges, student and technologist training, as well as professional development programs for staff.
“This collaboration is crucial for both Nazarbayev University and Kazakhstan, and Hokkaido University and Japan in that it gives NU access to the Japanese technologies for safe, economic and environmentally friendly methods for extraction of the natural resources extraction that is crucial for the Japanese technology manufacturing companies. Example technologies to be deployed in nazarbayev University include a 360-degrees Advanced Visualization and Interaction Environment (AVIE) virtual reality (VR) facility and Electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) for research, teaching, and training. The two countries also benefit in the mutual education and development of expertise for the natural resources industries in both countries”, – said Professor Fidelis Suorineni.
