Kazakhstan has updated the procedure for submitting and considering applications for prospecting licences. The changes clarify the digital procedures for providing the service and introduce additional procedural mechanisms.
SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS VIA THE UPM
According to Order No. 103 of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 17 March 2026, registered with the Ministry of Justice, the rules regulate the submission of applications via the Unified Platform for Subsoil Use (UPM) and the procedure for their consideration.
The rules establish the use of the UPM for submitting applications and interacting with the service provider. The application is submitted in electronic format and registered in the system with a unique number, as well as the date and time of submission.
Information about submitted applications is automatically placed in the system and includes the applicant's details, the coordinates of the site, and the time the request was received.
INTEGRATION WITH STATE SYSTEMS
Some of the data required for providing the service is received automatically from state information systems via the 'e-government' gateway. This applies, in particular, to information about the applicant's identity and the registration of legal entities.
This approach allows for partial automation of data processing and standardisation of the review procedure.
REVIEW PROCEDURE AND TIME LIMITS
The time limit for providing the state service is 7 working days. Based on the results of the review, the applicant is issued a licence or receives a reasoned refusal.
If grounds for refusal are identified, the service provider generates a notice of preliminary decision. In this case, a procedure for hearing the applicant is provided before the final decision is made.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INVESTORS
For applicants included in the register of investors, a separate procedure is established: a reasoned refusal must be agreed upon with the regional prosecutor. The approval period is up to 3 working days.
WHEN THE CHANGES COME INTO FORCE
The updated rules come into force 60 calendar days after the official publication of the order.
Thus, the changes aim to clarify the procedures for providing the service and further digitalise the interaction between applicants and state bodies.