Kazakhstan has made significant strides in modernising its mining sector with the introduction of the Unified Subsoil Use Platform (EPN), which has been operational for a year and a half. This digital initiative includes an investment geological map that allows users to select promising mineral sites and navigate the licensing process entirely online, eliminating the need for cumbersome bureaucratic procedures. By 2028, the platform aims to integrate nearly all historical geological data collected over decades, including reports on exploration and assessment work for various solid minerals.
Prior to the EPN’s launch on January 1, 2025, obtaining licenses and accessing geological archives in Kazakhstan was a lengthy and complicated process, often taking months or even years due to a lack of digitised information and administrative barriers. The platform has already streamlined operations for investors and companies involved in mineral exploration and extraction, including critical minerals. It has brought together 3,000 subsoil users, 22 state services, and 109,000 studied area contours, reducing licensing procedures by 45% and decreasing the workload on government employees by 35%. The speed of data processing has improved significantly, and human error has been largely eliminated.
Malik Olzhabekov, the Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, highlighted the transition from paper-based applications to an integrated digital ecosystem, which has simplified the submission process for companies. The platform’s success was discussed at the MINEX Kazakhstan 2026 forum, where industry experts explored its potential to enhance international investor confidence in Kazakhstan’s geological data.
The development of the EPN took a decade, with input from IT specialists, subsoil users, and geologists. The project drew inspiration from successful geological portals in countries like Finland, Canada, and Australia, focusing on creating a comprehensive geological portal for Central Asia. Future enhancements include geo-analytics tools, mobile support, and international integration for foreign investors.
The platform is not merely an IT product; it represents a complete digital management mechanism covering the entire lifecycle of subsoil use. Users can now apply for licenses and select available mineral sites on an interactive map without the need for intermediaries. The platform also features an electronic wallet for payments and has automated reporting processes, which were previously managed manually.
As of 2025, approximately 4.7 million documents have been digitised, including historical geological records dating back to the Soviet era. The project aims to digitise five million archival data units by the end of 2026. The next phase involves integrating these data into a geoinformation system that will allow more precise analysis of mineral exploration prospects. The use of Big Data and AI will facilitate the classification and interpretation of geological data, enhancing the platform’s functionality.
The EPN’s operator, the National Geological Service, is funded by a percentage of mining costs, ensuring sustainability. The platform has already created a prototype system with an initial data load of one terabyte. The integration of various state resources into a single ecosystem is expected to significantly improve investment conditions in Kazakhstan’s mining sector, reducing geological exploration risks and expediting project financing decisions.
Overall, the Unified Subsoil Use Platform is poised to revolutionise Kazakhstan’s mining industry by providing a reliable, accessible, and efficient digital framework for subsoil use, ultimately enhancing the sector’s attractiveness to both local and international investors.
