In an era where sustainability and innovation define true progress, ABFC UAE is emerging as a trailblazer in the global materials and mining sector. At the helm of this transformation is Valery Hurynovich, a visionary leader redefining what it means to mine responsibly and build sustainably. Under his guidance, ABFC is pioneering basalt-based materials that are shaping the future of green infrastructure, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. In this exclusive interview with UAE Times, Valery Hurynovich shares insights on leadership, innovation, and the evolution of mining into a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable industry.
What motivated you to embark on a career in your industry?
I’ve always been driven by the idea of building real, tangible progress. The world often focuses on digital innovation, but nothing stands without strong foundations—literally. Mining and advanced materials may appear traditional, yet they hold the power to transform industries from construction to clean energy. I saw an opportunity not just to extract resources, but to reinvent how the world uses them—responsibly, intelligently, and sustainably.
I never planned to enter the mining and materials sector—it chose me. I’ve always been drawn to industries that quietly shape civilizations. Mining isn’t glamorous, but it is the backbone of infrastructure, innovation, and progress. When I discovered basalt and realized its potential to redefine sustainable construction and advanced manufacturing, it became more than business—it became a mission.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Fast-paced and focused. I balance strategic decisions, technology discussions, environmental planning, and global partnerships. Every day begins with one question:
How can we move closer to a greener, smarter, more resilient materials future?
There is no routine—only evolution. That’s what I love most about this journey. Every day brings new challenges, new responsibility, and a constant reminder that we are building something far greater than ourselves.
How is your industry evolving, and what trends do you foresee?
Mining is entering a new era—one of transformation rather than extraction, and of positive impact rather than footprint.
Key trends shaping the future include:
- AI-powered exploration and automation
- Low-carbon and circular mining models
- Environment-positive resource development
- Materials designed for renewable and clean-tech industries
Mining is shifting from digging to intelligence—precision exploration, sustainable extraction, and value-added materials. Basalt is finding applications in construction, aerospace, clean technology, and energy storage. The future belongs to green mining, AI-driven operations, and full-cycle material ecosystems. Soon, mining will be judged not by what it takes from the Earth, but by what it gives back.
What challenges have you overcome, and how?
Convincing people that heavy industry can be innovative, responsible, and future-focused. Mining has long been seen as “old-world.” Changing that perception required persistence, science, and transparency.
We overcame skepticism through:
- Evidence, not promises
- Technology, not tradition
- Long-term thinking, not short-term gain
By embracing transparency and sustainability, we transformed perception into trust.
Can you share pivotal career moments?
The defining moment was realizing that our work contributes directly to global sustainability goals. Seeing our solutions used in greener materials and carbon-reduction technologies made it clear—this is bigger than business; it’s purpose.
Signing our first strategic supply contract beyond the region was a major milestone. It signified ABFC’s entry onto the global stage. Another pivotal moment was forming our innovation partnerships, confirming that the world is ready for a smarter, cleaner mineral economy.
How do you define your leadership style?
Vision-first. Impact-driven. People-focused. I lead with clarity, purpose, and trust. I empower teams to innovate without fear and foster a culture where ideas matter more than hierarchy. My role is not to control but to inspire, support, and develop leaders who will carry the mission forward.
Are you leveraging AI or emerging technologies at ABFC?
AI and data intelligence are not future trends for us—they’re integral to our daily operations. We use them in exploration, efficiency optimization, environmental monitoring, and product innovation. At ABFC, emerging technology is the engine, and sustainability is the steering wheel.
What are your long-term goals?
To make advanced green materials mainstream globally.
Our mission:
- Develop basalt-based solutions for modern infrastructure and next-generation industries
- Reduce environmental impact across the material lifecycle
- Prove that industrial growth and environmental responsibility can coexist
My goal is to position ABFC as a global benchmark for responsible basalt mining and advanced basalt applications. Personally, I want to help shape a new generation of industrial innovators in the UAE and contribute to a shift from resource extraction to intelligent, sustainable value creation.
Why basalt and why ABFC?
Basalt is nature’s high-performance material—strong, clean, recyclable, and infinitely scalable.
ABFC was founded on a simple belief: The world deserves better materials—sustainable, intelligent, and future-ready.
The Middle East holds immense mineral potential and deserves to lead global innovation. We’re not just mining basalt; we’re unlocking its potential to build safer cities, greener industries, and smarter technologies.
What lessons have you learned along the way?
Bold ideas face resistance until they deliver results. Sustainability is not a trend—it’s a necessity.
Innovation requires patience. Entering a niche, future-oriented market meant navigating uncharted territory—from regulatory frameworks to market education. The key lessons?
Patience, courage, collaboration, and a deep belief in the mission. The world doesn’t change by following old rules—it changes when we rewrite them.
How do you see the mining and materials sector evolving globally?
It’s becoming clean, digital, circular, and deeply linked to climate innovation. Mining will serve renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, electric mobility, and carbon-neutral manufacturing.
The future includes:
- Technology-driven mineral ecosystems
- Green resource development
- Strategic material production for global markets
The Arab world is poised to become a global hub for future-focused materials and sustainable industrial leadership.
What do you envision for your continued contribution to the global industry?
I aim to establish ABFC as a global reference for sustainable basalt innovation and a catalyst for cleaner industrial practices worldwide. Our vision is to demonstrate that responsible resource development can uplift economies and protect the planet. We aspire to support the region’s industrial evolution and contribute to a legacy of innovation, resilience, and progress.
We’re not just shaping materials—we’re shaping a better world. A world where innovation serves the planet, where progress and responsibility move together, and where sustainability isn’t a slogan—it’s a system.
The future is being built from the ground up—and at ABFC, we’re building it greener.
