Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and Construction said that, starting in 2027, the country will put promising new subsoil blocks prepared under its large-scale state geological study of subsurface resources program up for investment auctions.
The announcement was made during Industry and Construction Minister Yersaiyn Nagaspayev’s working visit to the Ulytau region. The government is changing its approach to attracting investment: instead of simply offering available blocks, it will offer blocks with a ready, detailed digital data package.
Scale and geographic coverage
In 2026, geological surveying began across 20 blocks at a scale of 1:50,000 (GS-50). The total area exceeds 100,000 square kilometers, with projects underway in 11 regions. In the Ulytau region, comprehensive geological studies are being conducted across 36,000 square kilometers covering seven blocks.
In addition, specialists have already drilled around 300 wells in the Ulytau and Abai regions.
Technology and digitalization
To collect high-quality data, a group of geological exploration companies has been formed under the coordination of National Geological Service JSC.
Airborne geophysics: Kazakhmys Barlau LLP is conducting airborne geophysical surveys ahead of more detailed exploration in the Ulytau region, including aeromagnetic surveys, airborne gravimetry and airborne gamma-ray spectrometry.
Unmanned aerial vehicles and RTK: Kazgeology JSC, part of Tau-Ken Samruk, uses unmanned systems equipped with high-precision RTK navigation to monitor data continuity in real time.
Geochemistry: The high-precision Ionic Leach geochemical method is being used.
Electronic passports: A unified digital subsoil registry is being developed. Each promising block will receive its own digital passport, giving investors quick and transparent access to geological data.
