Kazakhstan to Invest $500 Million in Geological Exploration and Create Modern Cluster

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov outlined a comprehensive reform program for Kazakhstan's geological sector at the International Geoscience & Exploration of Central Asia (GECA 2026) forum. The event gathered representatives from international organizations, diplomatic missions, and domestic and foreign companies.

In his address, Bektenov emphasized the strategic role of geological exploration as a foundation for the country's sustainable economic and industrial development. He noted that the adoption of a new Constitution this year has created a framework for modernizing society and all economic sectors, opening new opportunities where geology serves as an industrial cornerstone.

Systemic reforms in geology and subsoil use are being implemented under the instruction of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. A key achievement is the launch of the Unified Subsoil Use Portal, which provides transparent access to services. Adopting the global "first come, first served" best practice has significantly simplified licensing procedures. This reform has attracted approximately 280 billion tenge in private investment into geological exploration over the past three years.

The country is transitioning to creating large-scale 1:50,000 geophysical maps and has implemented international standards for reserve reporting. Long-term priorities include bringing man-made mineral formations into economic circulation, systematically inventorying groundwater deposits, and training a new generation of geologists, engineers, and analysts equipped for the industry's digital transformation.

A significant project is the creation of a modern geological cluster in Astana. This center will integrate an analytical laboratory, a core repository, and a geological data archive, consolidating personnel and technical resources to accelerate specialized research.

Kazakhstan possesses substantial mineral resources, with investors viewing it as a priority region for exploration and mining. The country hosts about 10,000 deposits containing over 2.3 thousand tons of gold, 4.3 billion tons of oil, 3.8 trillion cubic meters of gas, 33.5 billion tons of coal, and 26.7 billion tons of iron. Rare earth metals form a significant part of this base; notably, the "Kuyryktikol" deposit discovered in 2025 holds reserves of about 800 thousand tons of cerium, neodymium, yttrium, and other elements.

Work continues to increase the geologically explored area of the country's territory to 2.2 million square kilometers; it has currently reached nearly 2.04 million square kilometers. Crucially, funding for geological studies has been increased tenfold and will amount to approximately $500 million over the next three years.

The forum also focused on developing international cooperation in geology and subsoil use with digital technologies and AI implementation. Participants included Kazakhstan’s Minister of Industry and Construction Yersaiyn Nagaspayev as well as officials from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.