© 2025 ERG Open Innovations
ERG Open Innovations 2025
Advancing Technology in Mining and Metallurgy
Advancing Technology in Mining and Metallurgy
27 May, 2025
Astana, Kazakhstan
Astana, Kazakhstan
Days
Hours
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ERG Open Innovations 2025
Advancing Technology in Mining and Metallurgy
Advancing Technology in Mining and Metallurgy
27 May, 2025
Astana, Kazakhstan
Astana, Kazakhstan
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Please Register As
Please select the option that suits you and complete the registration.
Please Register As
Please select the option that suits you and complete the registration.
Dear Colleagues,
Invitation and General Information
- Technology Sessions: Insightful presentations on the ferroalloys production, alumina and aluminum production, as well as ore mineral processing, highlighting cutting-edge research and real-world industrial applications.
- Innovation Workshop: A dedicated session for breakthrough approaches and forward-thinking strategies in the mining and metallurgical industry.
- Case Championship: A unique challenge for students to tackle real-world industry problems, fostering the next generation of metallurgical professionals.
We look forward to seeing you all at ERG Open Innovations 2025!
We are pleased to invite you to participate in the ERG Open Innovations 2025, an international event focused on cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions in the mining and metallurgical industry.
The conference provides a unique platform for technology companies, researchers, and industry experts to present their latest advancements in:
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions, establish partnerships, and contribute to large-scale industrial projects with ERG.
Participation in the event requires an in-person presentation of your innovative and technological developments aimed at solving our key challenges.
The conference provides a unique platform for technology companies, researchers, and industry experts to present their latest advancements in:
- Ferroalloys production
- Alumina and Aluminum production
- Ore Mineral processing
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions, establish partnerships, and contribute to large-scale industrial projects with ERG.
Participation in the event requires an in-person presentation of your innovative and technological developments aimed at solving our key challenges.
Event Highlights:
Dear Colleagues,
Invitation and General Information
- Technology Sessions: Insightful presentations on the ferroalloys production, alumina and aluminum production, as well as ore mineral processing, highlighting cutting-edge research and real-world industrial applications.
- Innovation Workshop: A dedicated session for breakthrough approaches and forward-thinking strategies in the mining and metallurgical industry.
- Case Championship: A unique challenge for students to tackle real-world industry problems, fostering the next generation of metallurgical professionals.
We look forward to seeing you all at ERG Open Innovations 2025!
We are pleased to invite you to participate in the ERG Open Innovations 2025, an international event focused on cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions in the mining and metallurgical industry.
The conference provides a unique platform for technology companies, researchers, and industry experts to present their latest advancements in:
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions, establish partnerships, and contribute to large-scale industrial projects with ERG.
Participation in the event requires an in-person presentation of your innovative and technological developments aimed at solving our key challenges.
The conference provides a unique platform for technology companies, researchers, and industry experts to present their latest advancements in:
- Ferroalloys production
- Alumina and Aluminum production
- Ore Mineral processing
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions, establish partnerships, and contribute to large-scale industrial projects with ERG.
Participation in the event requires an in-person presentation of your innovative and technological developments aimed at solving our key challenges.
Event Highlights:
Technology Sessions Topics:
Ferroalloys Production
Mineral Processing
Technologies for the beneficiation of fine classes of chrome
Innovative beneficiation methods for chromium, iron, manganese, and coal, including waste processing
Reduction of iron content at the stage of obtaining manganese concentrate from ferromanganese ores in the -10+0 mm size class
Obtaining various materials from production waste of chromium, iron, manganese, alumina, and coal
Improving technology efficiency through the implementation of AI tools
Innovative beneficiation methods for chromium, iron, manganese, and coal, including waste processing
Reduction of iron content at the stage of obtaining manganese concentrate from ferromanganese ores in the -10+0 mm size class
Obtaining various materials from production waste of chromium, iron, manganese, alumina, and coal
Improving technology efficiency through the implementation of AI tools
Alumina & Aluminum Production
Methods of preparation, beneficiation of bauxite and aluminum-containing ores at mines
Beneficiation technologies for bauxite raw materials with high contents of silica, iron oxides, and carbonate compounds
Ways to improve alumina production and alternatives to the Bayer-sintering technology
Production of new value-added products
Improving technology efficiency through the implementation of AI tools
Beneficiation technologies for bauxite raw materials with high contents of silica, iron oxides, and carbonate compounds
Ways to improve alumina production and alternatives to the Bayer-sintering technology
Production of new value-added products
Improving technology efficiency through the implementation of AI tools
Improving the productivity and recovery of electric arc furnaces
Reducing the formation of fine fractions during processes of crushing and grinding of ferroalloys
Coke-free production of high-carbon ferrochrome, alternative types of reducing agents, and increasing the share of semi coke
Improving the technology for the production of chromium ore pellets / sinter / extruded briquettes and increasing their quality
Improving technology efficiency through the implementation of AI tools
Reducing the formation of fine fractions during processes of crushing and grinding of ferroalloys
Coke-free production of high-carbon ferrochrome, alternative types of reducing agents, and increasing the share of semi coke
Improving the technology for the production of chromium ore pellets / sinter / extruded briquettes and increasing their quality
Improving technology efficiency through the implementation of AI tools
Technology session topics
Ferroalloys Production
- Improving the productivity and recovery of electric arc furnaces
- Reducing the formation of fine fractions during processes of crushing and grinding of ferroalloys
- Coke-free production of high-carbon ferrochrome, alternative types of reducing agents, and increasing the share of semi coke
- Improving the technology for the production of chromium ore pellets / sinter / extruded briquettes and increasing their quality
- Improving technology efficiency through the implementation of AI tools
Alumina & Aluminum Production
- Methods of preparation, beneficiation of bauxite and aluminum-containing ores at mines
- Beneficiation technologies for bauxite raw materials with high contents of silica, iron oxides, and carbonate compounds
- Ways to improve alumina production and alternatives to the Bayer-sintering technology
- Production of new value-added products
- Improving technology efficiency through the implementation of AI tools
Mineral Processing
- Technologies for the beneficiation of fine classes of chrome
- Innovative beneficiation methods for chromium, iron, manganese, and coal, including waste processing
- Reduction of iron content at the stage of obtaining manganese concentrate from ferromanganese ores in the -10+0 mm size class
- Obtaining various materials from production waste of chromium, iron, manganese, alumina, and coal
- Improving technology efficiency through the implementation of AI tools
Technology Sessions Format:
- Present in-person your solutions during the technology session
- Time: 10 min for the presentation + 5 min Q&A
- Presentation format: 16:9 PPT (using your organization’s template)
- Registration deadline for technology session by April 30,2025 (with topic of your presentation)
- Submission deadline for the presentation by May 20, 2025
Technology Sessions Format:
- Present in-person your solutions during the technology session
- Time: 10 min for the presentation + 5 min Q&A
- Presentation format: 16:9 PPT (using your organization’s template)
- Registration deadline for technology session by April 30,2025 (with topic of your presentation)
- Submission deadline for the presentation by May 20, 2025
Keynote Speakers of ERG Open Innovations 2025:
Event Program:
Closing of ERG Open Innovations 2025
17:00-18:00
15:00-15:30
Coffee break
Lunch
HALL 1
HALL 2
HALL 3
Main hall
HALL 1
HALL 2
HALL 3
Main hall
HALL 1
HALL 2
HALL 3
Main hall
12:30-13:30
15:30-17:00
13:30-15:00
Coffee break 1
08:00-9:00
Opening and Welcome Speech of ERG Open Innovations 2025
Technology sessions
Technology sessions
Technology sessions
Registration of participants
9:00-10:00
10:00-10:30
10:30-12:30
Mineral Processing
Innovation Workshop
Alumina and Aluminum Production
Ferroalloys Production
Mineral Processing
Case Championship
Alumina and Aluminum Production
Ferroalloys Production
Mineral Processing
Case Championship
Alumina and Aluminum Production
Ferroalloys Production
Event Program:
Closing of ERG Open Innovations 2025
17:00-18:00
15:00-15:30
Coffee break 2
Lunch
12:30-13:30
15:30-17:00
HALL 1
HALL 2
HALL 3
Main hall
HALL 1
HALL 2
HALL 3
Main hall
HALL 1
HALL 2
HALL 3
Main hall
13:30-15:00
Coffee break 1
08:00-9:00
Opening and Welcome Speech of ERG Open Innovations 2025
Technology sessions
Technology sessions
Technology sessions
Registration of participants
9:00-10:00
10:00-10:30
10:30-12:30
Mineral Processing
Innovation Workshop
Alumina and Aluminum Production
Ferroalloys Production
Alumina and Aluminum Production
Case Championship
Mineral Processing
Ferroalloys Production
Mineral Processing
Case Championship
Alumina and Aluminum Production
Ferroalloys Production
Rodney Jones
Biography
Rodney Jones is a consulting chemical engineer and metallurgist with over 40 years of experience in pyrometallurgy, from concept development to industrial implementation. A Past President and Honorary Life Fellow of SAIMM, he spent 37 years at Mintek as a Senior Technical Specialist.
He holds BSc(Eng), MSc(Eng), and PhD degrees in metallurgical engineering from Wits University and has been a registered Professional Engineer since 1988. His expertise includes high-temperature process simulation, thermodynamic software development, and direct-current arc furnace technology for smelting chromite, ilmenite, cobalt, ferronickel, and battery recycling.
Rodney is the creator of Pyrosim software, used in 22 countries, and a co-inventor of the patented ConRoast process for platinum group metals recovery. Recognized as an 'Internationally Acclaimed Researcher' by the NRF, he also serves as Chairman of the International Committee on Ferro-Alloys (ICFA).
He holds BSc(Eng), MSc(Eng), and PhD degrees in metallurgical engineering from Wits University and has been a registered Professional Engineer since 1988. His expertise includes high-temperature process simulation, thermodynamic software development, and direct-current arc furnace technology for smelting chromite, ilmenite, cobalt, ferronickel, and battery recycling.
Rodney is the creator of Pyrosim software, used in 22 countries, and a co-inventor of the patented ConRoast process for platinum group metals recovery. Recognized as an 'Internationally Acclaimed Researcher' by the NRF, he also serves as Chairman of the International Committee on Ferro-Alloys (ICFA).
Consulting Pyrometallurgist
Pyro Consulting
Pyro Consulting
Valdiney Domingos de Oliveira
Biography
Valdiney Domingos is a Chemical Engineer, with more than 25 years of experience in Ferroalloys and Silicon engineering design, project development and technology transfer.
Mr. Domingos has operated Electric Arc, Submerged Arc (DC and AC) worldwide always focusing on process optimization and circularity initiatives based on strong ESG and Lean Six Sigma basis.
He has outperformed production sites increasing yields, reducing losses and eliminating processes wastes.
Strong background and expertise in Pyrometallurgy and unique focus on Hydrometallurgy, from the carbothermic reduction and slagging gas refining to electrochemical and leaching process towards refining of metals, Mr Domingos has navigated in Industrial environmental situation with unique performance that links chemistry and metallurgy via operational excellence.
Mr. Domingos has operated Electric Arc, Submerged Arc (DC and AC) worldwide always focusing on process optimization and circularity initiatives based on strong ESG and Lean Six Sigma basis.
He has outperformed production sites increasing yields, reducing losses and eliminating processes wastes.
Strong background and expertise in Pyrometallurgy and unique focus on Hydrometallurgy, from the carbothermic reduction and slagging gas refining to electrochemical and leaching process towards refining of metals, Mr Domingos has navigated in Industrial environmental situation with unique performance that links chemistry and metallurgy via operational excellence.
Founder
Si&Mex Solutions GmbH
Si&Mex Solutions GmbH
Lloyd Robert Nelson
Biography
Lloyd has 40 years of experience in applied research, technology development, operations, and consulting in the metallurgical industry. He holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Rolla.
A Registered Professional Engineer (ECSA) and Fellow of SAIMM, he has held leadership roles at Mintek, Billiton, Samancor Chrome, and Hatch, specializing in pyrometallurgy, process optimization, and furnace technologies. He later served as Head of Smelting and Refining Technology at Anglo American Platinum, overseeing operations and projects across multiple smelters and refineries globally.
Since 2022, Lloyd has led PYRO ONE (Pty) Ltd, providing independent consulting on smelting technologies worldwide, including support for nickel and PGM furnace rebuilds. His expertise spans multiple commodities and complex pyrometallurgical processes.
A Registered Professional Engineer (ECSA) and Fellow of SAIMM, he has held leadership roles at Mintek, Billiton, Samancor Chrome, and Hatch, specializing in pyrometallurgy, process optimization, and furnace technologies. He later served as Head of Smelting and Refining Technology at Anglo American Platinum, overseeing operations and projects across multiple smelters and refineries globally.
Since 2022, Lloyd has led PYRO ONE (Pty) Ltd, providing independent consulting on smelting technologies worldwide, including support for nickel and PGM furnace rebuilds. His expertise spans multiple commodities and complex pyrometallurgical processes.
Director
Pyro One (Pty) Ltd.
Pyro One (Pty) Ltd.
Stephan van Staden
Biography
With over 23 years in the chrome industry, Stephan has progressed from Shift Supervisor and Process Engineer to Plant Manager and now serves as Business Unit Manager – Chrome at Mineral Technologies.
Passionate about innovation and problem-solving, he focuses on developing technologies that enhance chrome recovery, down to particles as small as 25 microns. His dedication to R&D drives continuous advancements in mineral processing.
Passionate about innovation and problem-solving, he focuses on developing technologies that enhance chrome recovery, down to particles as small as 25 microns. His dedication to R&D drives continuous advancements in mineral processing.
Business Unit Manager Africa and Europe in Chrome
Mineral Technologies
Mineral Technologies
Henk Bouwer
Biography
A Metallurgical Engineer (B.Eng) with a Master’s in Business Leadership (MBL), Henk has 40 years of experience in the ferroalloy industry.
He has produced a wide range of ferro-alloys, including ferrochrome, ferromanganese, silicomanganese, and ferrosilicon, and has held leadership roles, including General Manager of a smelter.
Currently he is serving as Executive in Technology Development at African Rainbow Minerals, he plays a key role in developing the innovative SmeltDirect smelting technology.
He has produced a wide range of ferro-alloys, including ferrochrome, ferromanganese, silicomanganese, and ferrosilicon, and has held leadership roles, including General Manager of a smelter.
Currently he is serving as Executive in Technology Development at African Rainbow Minerals, he plays a key role in developing the innovative SmeltDirect smelting technology.
Executive in Technology
African Rainbow Minerals (ARM)
African Rainbow Minerals (ARM)
Event Venue
Hilton Astana
Floor plans
St Heydar Aliyev 14, Astana, Kazakhstan
View on Google Maps
Astana Opera
Astana Grand Mosque
Baiterek
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Expo Business District
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