Kazakhstan relies on AI to analyze Soviet geological information

The Ministry of Industry and Construction is going to use artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze geological information obtained between the 1950s and 1980s, according to Vice Minister Zhannat Dubirova.

«We are actively digitizing geological information collected between the 1950s and 1980s. We are going to complete this process this year. In parallel, we are working on introducing AI tools capable of not only recognizing geological information but also of analyzing various characteristics and creating predictive models for deposits and minerals in Kazakhstan based on big data,» she said during the MINEX Kazakhstan 2025 forum.

According to the minister, AI recognizes up to 90% of the information, including poor-quality data. However, if AI is not confident it has recognized the data correctly, human operators can make necessary adjustments. As Dubirova reported, 56,200 geological reports have already been digitized.

«We must build a full cycle by 2026, process all geological information and convert this data into a machine-readable format. As a result, big data will be available to investors in a convenient form on the Unified Subsoil Use Platform,» she said.

At the beginning of the year, a Unified Subsoil Use Platform was launched in Kazakhstan, where 22 public services are available online. Since then, 506 applications have already been processed. The platform offers a seamless digital process. It starts with submitting an application for exploration or production and ends with the issuance of a license. All phases are carried out online. The interactive map contains all areas already occupied by subsoil users and also allows users to view areas available for auction.

According to the minister, investors can go directly to the portal without intermediaries, select the desired area and submit an application to participate in the auction. In January, the government held digital auctions for 21 sites, totaling $40 million in investment.

In addition, the process of monitoring the fulfillment of obligations under issued licenses and contracts for solid minerals has been digitized. Previously, this control was carried out manually for 3,000 licenses and contracts.