Central Asia's Geoscience Forum Charts New Course for Mineral Resource Management

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.

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

The discussions focused on redefining geology's role in Central Asia's socio-economic development and formulating new strategies for managing the region's mineral resource potential amid global transformations.

In his address, Minister Nagaspayev stated that the forum demonstrated how geology is evolving beyond a narrow industry focus to become a crucial element of economic and technological progress.

"Central Asia is increasingly emerging as one of the most promising regions for mineral resource potential," he said. "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."

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

The minister provided data on Kazakhstan's resource base, which includes approximately 10,000 registered deposits. This figure comprises over 1,000 solid mineral deposits, 359 hydrocarbon fields, more than 3,700 common mineral deposits, and about 4,900 sources of groundwater.

Nagaspayev highlighted the importance of cooperation through platforms like the Intergovernmental Council on Subsoil Exploration, Use, and Protection. He also stressed partnerships with international technological companies.

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

The forum also featured thematic sessions covering critical topics such as hydrogeology's role in sustainable water management, regional water-energy challenges, and standards for public reporting on mineral resources in Central Asia.

A meeting of heads of geological services was held in an open dialogue format to discuss prospects for mutual cooperation, training programs for mining companies, and grant opportunities.

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