A group of Spanish experts will help Kazakhstan in exploration of ground water in western Kazakhstan as the country’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov has successfully negotiated with Xcalibur Smart Mapping from Spain. The company, headquartered in Madrid, specializes in airborne and geophysical mapping, and has representative offices worldwide, including Astana.
“This year, the two sides are set to conduct an airborne electromagnetic survey to compile maps and explore groundwater reserves in western Kazakhstan,” the agency wrote on Telegram.
According to the ministry, Nurzhigitov is also seeking a grant from the Spanish government to finance the project. The issue is still under discussion, though.
“Experts from both sides are working on this issue. A detailed airborne electromagnetic survey will assist in detecting groundwater reserves and their boundaries,” he said.
In early February, Kursiv.media reported that Nurzhigitov and Shavkat Khamrayev, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Water Resources, agreed that by Oct. 1, Uzbekistan will expand its annual water supply to Kazakhstan to 16 billion cubic meters (bcm). During the previous irrigation season, which lasted from October 2023 to October 2024, Uzbekistan supplied Kazakhstan with 15 bcm of water. The neighboring country also pledged to ensure a steady water flow through the Dostyk Canal throughout the irrigation season.
