Kazakhstan to allocate $82 mln for geological exploration in 2026
ASTANA. Feb 24 (Interfax) - The Kazakh government will allocate over 40.7 billion tenge ($82 million at the current exchange rate) to conduct comprehensive geological exploration work in 2026, the government's press service said.
The corresponding resolution was signed on Monday by Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. The funds will be allocated from the reserve.
"The funds will be directed toward starting 20 projects for second-generation geological mapping at a scale of 1:50,000 (GM2-50). The work will cover approximately 100,000 square kilometers, with the average area of one site being around 5,000 square kilometers," the press service said.
The GM2-50 program provides for the application of modern geophysical, remote and geochemical research methods, as well as digital data processing. In 2026, airborne geophysical and field work are planned, including geochemical studies and the digging of trenches and pits. Following the field season, a preliminary laboratory analysis of samples will be conducted.
It is planned that special attention will be given to the specialized study of identified and previously known ore zones and promising areas, as well as the assessment of ore fields with the calculation of predicted resources. The data obtained will become the basis for detailed prospecting and exploration work.
The geological mapping will cover the territories of the Akmola, Aktobe, Almaty, East Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Kostanay, North Kazakhstan, Mangistau, Turkistan, Abai and Ulytau regions.
In addition, the implementation of six 2D seismic survey projects is provided for within the under-explored, oil-and-gas-promising Shy-Sarysu and North Torgai sedimentary basins. It is noted that the current level of their geological knowledge does not allow for a reliable assessment of the petroleum potential and resource potential of hydrocarbons. Seismic exploration will make it possible to identify structures promising for the localization of oil and gas deposits and to assess their potential amounts.
It is planned that all projects will be completed by the end of 2028. Overall, around 240 billion tenge (approximately $500 million) is provided for state geological study of the subsoil over the three-year period.
The implementation of the program will improve the level of geological knowledge of the country's territory, identify promising areas, and create conditions for replenishing Kazakhstan's mineral resource base, the press service said.
The official exchange rate on February 24 is 497.33 tenge/$1.
