Kazakhstan Allocates Over $85 Million for 20 Geological Exploration Projects

The Government of Kazakhstan has approved the allocation of more than 40.7 billion tenge from its reserve fund for comprehensive geological exploration in 2026. The corresponding resolution was signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, fulfilling instructions from the President to study the subsurface and replenish the nation's mineral resource base.

The funds are earmarked for launching 20 projects under the second-generation geological survey program at a scale of 1:50,000 (GS2-50). These works will cover approximately 100,000 square kilometers, with an average area of about 5,000 square kilometers per site.

The GS2-50 program involves applying modern geophysical, remote sensing, and geochemical research methods, along with deep digital data processing. This approach is designed to create up-to-date geological maps and identify promising areas for mineral deposits.

Fieldwork planned for this year includes aerogeophysical surveys, geochemical sampling, and the excavation of pits and trenches. A preliminary laboratory analysis of collected samples will be conducted following the field season.

A key focus will be the specialized study of both newly identified and previously known ore zones and prospective areas. The work will also include evaluating ore fields with calculations of forecast resources. The results are expected to form the basis for initiating detailed prospecting and exploration operations.

The geological survey will span multiple regions: Akmola, Aktobe, Almaty, East Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Kostanay, North Kazakhstan, Mangystau, Turkestan regions, as well as Abai and Ulytau regions.

Additionally, six projects for 2D seismic exploration are planned within the little-studied Shy-Sarysu and North Torgay sedimentary basins. The current level of geological knowledge in these areas is insufficient for a reliable assessment of their oil and gas potential. Conducting seismic surveys aims to identify structures promising for oil and gas accumulation and estimate their potential volumes.

All projects are scheduled for completion by the end of 2028. Overall, approximately 240 billion tenge (around $500 million) has been provisioned for state geological study over a three-year period.

The implementation of these measures is intended to increase the level of geological knowledge across Kazakhstan's territory, identify promising sites for further research, and create conditions for replenishing the country's mineral resource base.