Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy has announced a program to replenish the country's resource base. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
To search for new hydrocarbon deposits, the department intends to ensure drilling of about 200 exploration and appraisal wells.
Details of the new strategy were presented in Atyrau during the KAZDRILLING industry conference. Vice Minister of Energy Yerlan Akbarov stated that increasing the volume of geological exploration is a critical condition for the stable development of the industry. According to ministry forecasts, in 2026 the volume of exploration and appraisal drilling will amount to about 80 wells, and in 2027–2028 this figure will be increased to 120 wells annually.
The state focuses on poorly studied sedimentary basins that have significant oil and gas potential. To stimulate investment in exploration, the department has simplified the procedure for providing such plots to subsoil users. Now the profile auction is held within ten working days after the application is received. The mandatory work program requires the investor to conduct seismic exploration on at least 30% of the plot in the first three years, followed by mandatory drilling.
When implementing the program, the ministry requires respect for the interests of local manufacturers of oilfield service equipment. According to the department, the necessary competencies have already been formed in the country. As an example, the Atyrau plant "Zhigermunaiservice", which has established the production of drill bits and calibrators, is cited.
It is expected that the expansion of geological exploration will not only ensure an influx of taxes, but also form a sustainable domestic market for drilling services with the creation of new highly qualified jobs.
In March 2026, it became known that proven recoverable oil reserves in Kazakhstan consistently exceed four billion tons. The list of largest assets traditionally includes 20 key fields.
In addition to hydrocarbons, geological exploration is also showing results in the solid minerals sector. In early September 2026, geologists found more than 150 tons of gold and about nine thousand tons of silver.