The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan imposed fines on oil-producing companies Tengizchevroil, North Caspian Operating Company N.V. (NCOC), Kaspiy Neft and Mangistaumunaigas totalling more than 61.1 billion tenge between 2022 and 2024. This was reported by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov in response to a request from Majilis deputies.
As reported by the media, citing the head of government, the violations are related to non-compliance with environmental legislation. Administrative fines were imposed on Tengizchevroil LLP in the amount of over 2.8 billion tenge, on NCOC — around 12.4 billion, on Kaspiy Neft JSC — 13.7 billion tenge and on Mangistaumunaigas JSC — 32.2 billion tenge.
Olzhas Bektenov stated that the government is carrying out consistent and systematic work to improve environmental legislation to balance environmental protection with economic development.
"The Environmental Code provides for the modernisation of production and the introduction of automated monitoring systems for Category I enterprises. A system of integrated environmental permits using the best available technologies has been introduced. Failure to comply with the requirements results in fines and increases in emission payment rates by 2, 4 and 8 times, and liability for exceeding emission standards has been strengthened", the head of government replied.
He also emphasised that the requirements of the Code apply to all subsoil users on the Caspian shelf, including participants in production sharing agreements.
According to the Prime Minister, the agreements on the Tengiz project and the North Caspian do not contain privileges regarding environmental standards and oblige contractors to comply with Kazakh environmental legislation.
"At the same time, the operating conditions in the field of environmental protection for the oil companies North Caspian Operating Company N.V. and Tengizchevroil LLP are set out in environmental permits, within which environmental action plans have been approved aimed at preventing the negative impact of the enterprise's activities on the environment", Bektenov reported.
According to the head of government, the authorised body in the field of environmental protection carries out state environmental control, which includes regular inspections, monitoring of production processes and the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies.