Ilya Ayzikov

Leading Partner and Researcher

Ilya is a seasoned Metals and Mining analyst and mineral finance professional with ~15 years of experience in market research, investments and project valuation. He is driven by a passion for integrating market intelligence with financial modelling and project planning.

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Ilya's expertise encompasses non-ferrous base/battery metals, gold, platinum group metals (PGM) and other critical metals and minerals. The primary research focus lies in emerging markets and developed jurisdictions of Eastern and Northern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.

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Throughout his professional path, Ilya has worked for global majors and junior miners and explorers, including Norilsk Nickel, Highland Gold Mining, UC RUSAL, Great Dyke Investments and Bai Tau Minerals across various locations, including Russia, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Indonesia and Australia.

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Ilya holds a BSc in Finance (Honours) from Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, a Dual MSc degree in Minerals and Energy Economics and Business Administration (Distinction) from Curtin University/WA School of Mines, an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Bauman Moscow State Technical University, and is on his way to obtaining a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation.

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Ilya is a scholarship recipient from The Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer program (2023), a participant of the Curtin Ignition program (2023).

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Ilya served as a Director on the Board of Norilsk Nickel Botswana and PT Norilsk Nickel Indonesia.