Central Asia's Geoscience Forum Charts New Course for Mineral Resources

The international forum Geoscience & Exploration Central Asia 2026 concluded in Astana on April 2-3, bringing together government officials, national geological services, and leading companies from across the region.

A central event was the plenary session titled "Geology of Central Asia: A Territory of Opportunities - Challenges and Prospects of the 21st Century." The session featured Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Minister of Industry and Construction Yersaiyn Nagaspayev, and representatives from regional governments and international organizations.

The discussions focused on redefining geology's role in Central Asia's socio-economic development and forming new approaches to managing mineral resources amid global transformations. Minister Nagaspayev emphasized that geology is evolving beyond a sectoral concern to become a crucial element of economic and technological progress.

"Central Asia is increasingly shaping up as one of the most promising regions for mineral resource potential," said Nagaspayev. "We are at a stage where the traditional model of subsoil development requires radical rethinking. Demand structures are changing, prospective resources are located deeper, and requirements for sustainability and environmental responsibility are growing."

The minister noted that Kazakhstan views its mineral resource base as part of a broader regional ecosystem. He highlighted that despite significant potential, the key task remains the rational and efficient use of existing resources.

According to official data presented at the forum, Kazakhstan has approximately 10,000 registered deposits. This includes over 1,000 solid mineral deposits, 359 hydrocarbon fields, more than 3,700 common mineral sites, and about 4,900 sources of groundwater.

Nagaspayev underscored the importance of cooperation within the Intergovernmental Council for Subsoil Exploration, Use, and Protection. He also pointed to international partnerships with global technology companies as vital for advancement.

"Kazakhstan is open to expanding mutually beneficial partnerships and implementing joint initiatives in the geological industry," he stated.

The forum also featured thematic sessions on critical regional issues. Participants discussed hydrogeology's role in sustainable water management and addressed pressing water-energy challenges. Other sessions focused on developing standards for public reporting of mineral resources and reserves in Central Asia.

A separate open-dialogue meeting brought together heads of geological services to explore prospects for mutual cooperation. Topics included training programs for mining companies and opportunities for obtaining grants.

The event concluded with a meeting of Central Asian industry ministers who summarized the forum's outcomes. They discussed key challenges facing the geological sector and prospects for future collaboration. Participants expressed mutual gratitude for constructive dialogue and confirmed their readiness to deepen cooperation across borders.