Kazakh Ministry of Energy, Shell to launch digital platform for processing geological exploration data

ASTANA. June 8 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy, JSC National Geological Service and Shell (SPB: RDS.A) Kazakhstan have signed a memorandum of cooperation on the study and analysis of hydrocarbon data, the ministry's press service reported.

"The document establishes a stable platform for joint specialist training and fundamental analysis of subsoil resources," the ministry.

It said that the partnership primarily focused on exchanging best global practices and digitizing geological information on hydrocarbons from archives.

The memorandum's practical core is a pilot project for the development of a modern geographic information system, a digital platform which will facilitate the processing and interpretation of accumulated historical geological data.

"Combining knowledge, experience and technological solutions will help us to more effectively unlock the country's resource potential and ensure the sector's systematic development," Deputy Minister of Energy Yerlan Akbarov said in the statement.

The digitalization project is expected to significantly expand understanding of the republic's resource potential and reinforce the industry's investment appeal.

JSC National Geological Service CEO Yerlan Kaliyev said that cooperation with Shell would help strengthen the analytical and interpretive framework of hydrocarbon geological data and improve the quality of decision making in subsoil use.

Shell Kazakhstan Senior Vice President and Country Chair Suzanne Coogan said the company intends to use its international experience and modern digital technologies to improve the efficiency of geological exploration in Kazakhstan.

Shell has a share in several projects in Kazakhstan, including a production sharing agreement for the North Caspian project (a 16.81% share), a production sharing agreement for the Karachaganak field (29.25%) and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (7.4%).