A first for Albert François: Kazakhstan.

July 7, 2026

New country, new mine, same mission. This week I’m spending time underground with a client tackling some challenges.

A few observations so far. The hospitality here rivals anything I’ve experienced on the road, and that is saying something. The tea is warm, the welcome is warmer, and I was immediately made to feel at home in this melting pot of people and cultures.

But the real story is the work. Sitting down with a client’s team, comparing notes, solving problems together, that is where the “Best for Project” mindset really earns its keep. Ground conditions do not care what language you speak, the team communicates through the common language and culture of miners the world over.

Kazakhstan, you have my attention, and we will be meeting again very shortly.

Onward, underground.

Albert