(23 February 2026 | Source: press service of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan)
The Government of Kazakhstan is allocating significant budget funds to study the country's subsoil as part of a state policy to replenish the mineral resource base. The decree on the allocation of funding was signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. The geological exploration projects will cover several regions and are aimed at increasing the level of geological knowledge of the territory of Kazakhstan.
GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION FUNDING
More than 40.7 billion tenge is being allocated from the government reserve for comprehensive geological exploration work. The funds are intended to launch 20 second-generation geological survey projects at a scale of 1:50,000 (GS2-50).
The work will cover approximately 100,000 sq km. The average area of one plot will be about 5,000 sq km. The programme plans to use modern research methods, including geophysics, remote sensing, and geochemical analysis.
The use of digital data processing will make it possible to create updated geological maps and identify promising areas for further mineral exploration.
WHERE GEOLOGICAL WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT
Geological surveys are planned in the territories of:
- Akmola Region
- Aktobe Region
- Almaty Region
- East Kazakhstan Region
- Karaganda Region
- Kostanay Region
- North Kazakhstan Region
- Mangystau Region
- Turkestan Region
- Abai and Ulytau Regions
During the field season, specialists will conduct airborne geophysical surveys, geochemical sampling, as well as the digging of pits and trenches, followed by laboratory analysis.
SEARCH FOR OIL AND GAS PROSPECTS
Separately, the implementation of 6 2D seismic survey projects is envisaged in the little-studied sedimentary basins of Shu-Sarysu and North Torgai.
According to the government, the level of knowledge of these zones is insufficient for a reliable assessment of oil and gas potential. Seismic surveys will make it possible to identify geological structures that are promising for locating oil and gas deposits, as well as to assess their potential resources. Specific forecast volumes are not specified in the materials.