MINEX Forum

Tag: Geology

  • Kazakhstan Advances Digital Transformation of Geology: 83% of Historical Data Digitised, AI-Driven Big Data System to Accelerate Subsoil Analysis

    Kazakhstan Advances Digital Transformation of Geology: 83% of Historical Data Digitised, AI-Driven Big Data System to Accelerate Subsoil Analysis

    Kazakhstan is rapidly digitising its geological sector as the National Geological Service continues large-scale work to collect, store and convert primary geological materials into digital format — a key step in modernising the management of the country’s mineral resource base.

    According to the Ministry of Industry and Construction, 83% of geological archives accumulated over the past 80 years — more than 3.8 million units of geo-data — have already been digitised. By the end of 2025, this figure is expected to reach 97.5%, with a full transition to digital operations planned for 2026. The result will be a national digital geological information fund, providing fast online access to geological data.

    A central component of the digitalisation programme is the introduction of a Big Data system powered by artificial intelligence, which will be integrated into the Unified Subsoil Use Platform. This system will automate the analysis of geological materials, significantly speed up the processing and verification of historical datasets, and enhance the accuracy of geological interpretation.

    Using optical text recognition and machine-vision technologies, the platform will convert both archival and current geological documents into machine-readable format. Big Data tools will also support the creation of a structured geological database and an intelligent chatbot designed to help users search for and analyse information quickly and efficiently.

    Experts say the digital transformation will provide a stronger foundation for resource forecasting, attract investment into exploration, improve transparency, and enhance Kazakhstan’s competitiveness in the global critical minerals market.

  • Kazakhstan Registers Five New Mineral Deposits Following 2025 Exploration Campaign

    Kazakhstan Registers Five New Mineral Deposits Following 2025 Exploration Campaign

    Kazakhstan has added five new deposits to its state mineral register based on geological exploration conducted in 2025, Vice Minister of Industry and Construction Iran Sharkhan announced during a government meeting on the development and digitalization of the country’s geological sector.

    The newly identified deposits—Altyn-Shoko, Samombet, Studenchesky, Takyr-Kaldzhir and Kok-Zhon at the Bolattobe site—have expanded the national mineral base by approximately 98 tonnes of gold, 36,000 tonnes of copper, 11 million tonnes of manganese and more than 1.3 million tonnes of phosphorites.

    Kazakhstan currently holds 103 types of mineral resources and around 10,000 deposits on the state balance. More than 2,900 licenses have been issued to subsoil users, along with 250 contracts for the development of solid minerals.

    From 2026 to 2028, geologists plan to survey an additional 100,000 square kilometers, followed by annual exploration covering 30,000 square kilometers through 2030. The government has allocated 240 million tenge to form a portfolio of 20 potential investment projects, aiming to improve early-stage discovery and increase overall efficiency of geological works.

    To support advanced scientific methods in exploration, the government approved the creation of a specialized laboratory within a geological cluster in Astana. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, enabling comprehensive mineral-geochemical and analytical research.

  • Kazakhstan to Launch National Digital Subsoil Mapping Project

    Kazakhstan to Launch National Digital Subsoil Mapping Project

    Kazakhstan is preparing to develop a national digital subsoil map using advanced geological and satellite technologies, the Ministry of Industry and Construction told LS.

    The project will be implemented in stages, with the first phase scheduled for 2026–2028, covering about 100,000 square kilometers of the country’s most promising ore-bearing regions, prioritizing rare and rare-earth minerals.

    According to the ministry, fieldwork for the mapping will involve four main stages:

    1. Satellite-based remote sensing, including spectral analysis of geological indices;

    2. Geophysical and geochemical studies;

    3. On-site exploration, such as drilling and underground works;

    4. Laboratory testing to confirm anomalies and refine deposit boundaries.

    This year, the ministry is developing 20 design and cost-estimate documents for geological studies at a scale of 1:50,000 to initiate the first phase. The total cost will be determined after documentation is finalized.

    Officials emphasized that this phase represents a pre-exploration stage, serving as groundwork before full-scale exploration and mining. “This process helps study the subsoil in detail, confirm forecasts, and identify potential mineral deposits. Ultimately, it provides well-prepared areas with reliable geological data, reducing risks for future investors,” the ministry noted.

    A second phase will expand the mapping area by another 350,000 square kilometers. The ministry added that creating a detailed digital map will be costlier than conventional cartography due to the higher observation density, drilling requirements, sample collection, and detailed satellite image analysis.

    Service providers will be selected through a public procurement process.

    Earlier in July 2025, state auditors criticized the ministry for delays in digitizing geological data and establishing a digital data bank. The report warned that the lack of modern geological archives creates risks of losing or damaging valuable geological information.

  • Kazakhstan Prepares New Subsoil Use Reform Bill for Parliamentary Review

    Kazakhstan Prepares New Subsoil Use Reform Bill for Parliamentary Review

    Kazakh government agencies have approved a draft law on reforms in geological exploration and subsoil use, Industry and Construction Minister Yersayin Nagaspaev announced at a cabinet meeting. The bill is set to be submitted to Parliament for consideration in September.

    The accompanying Regulatory Policy Advisory Document (KDRP) was endorsed at the 681st meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Legislative Activities. The new draft replaces an earlier package of amendments to subsoil use regulations initiated by members of the Mazhilis, which is expected to be withdrawn once the updated version is formally introduced.

    The proposed legislation contains 39 amendments to Kazakhstan’s Code “On Subsoil and Subsoil Use.” President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underscored the importance of these reforms in his address on September 8, highlighting the need to modernise the legal framework to improve resource efficiency and attract investment.

  • Kazakhstan to Launch Electronic Geological Mapping in 2026

    Kazakhstan to Launch Electronic Geological Mapping in 2026

    Kazakhstan will begin creating an electronic geological map of the country in 2026, following a directive from the president. The project will utilise satellite imagery analysis, along with data from aerogeophysics, geochemistry, and other subsurface research methods, enabling a new level of assessment of the nation’s mineral potential.

    Earlier this year, the government allocated funding from its reserve to develop project documentation for second-generation geological surveys at a 1:50,000 scale. This initiative is part of Kazakhstan’s wider effort to digitise geological information.

    According to the National Geological Exploration Service (NGS), more than 2.6 million units of primary geological data—about 60% of the total—had already been converted into digital format by early 2025. Full digitalisation of the country’s geological data is expected to be completed by 2028.

    Officials say the move will make geological information more reliable and accessible, while also enabling the use of artificial intelligence and automated solutions for data processing.

  • Uzbekistan and Türkiye Reaffirm Strategic Partnership in Geology and Mining

    Uzbekistan and Türkiye Reaffirm Strategic Partnership in Geology and Mining

    On 26 May 2025, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Mining Industry and Geology, Rakhim Yusupov, held official talks with a Turkish delegation headed by Ramazan Sarı, Deputy Director of Türkiye’s General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA). The meeting underscored the enduring and productive cooperation between the two nations in the fields of geology and mining.

    Both sides praised the strength and strategic nature of their bilateral relations and expressed a shared commitment to deepening collaboration further. The discussions highlighted Uzbekistan’s ongoing sectoral reforms, which aim to modernize geological research and attract foreign investment to the mining industry.

    A key focus of the talks was Uzbekistan’s “E-auksion” electronic platform—an open-access system designed to provide entrepreneurs and investors with transparent opportunities to explore and develop newly identified mineral-rich sites. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals of enhancing transparency, boosting investor confidence, and unlocking the country’s geological potential.

    The meeting concluded with a mutual interest in expanding technical exchange, knowledge-sharing, and joint exploration projects between the two countries.

  • Ministry of Mining in Uzbekistan and CNUC Discuss Cooperation in Geology and Mining Sector

    Ministry of Mining in Uzbekistan and CNUC Discuss Cooperation in Geology and Mining Sector

    The Ministry of Mining and Geology, under the leadership of Deputy Minister U. Yusupov, held a meeting with representatives from China National Uranium Corporation Limited (CNUC). The discussions focused on potential cooperation in the fields of geology and mining, including plans for joint geological exploration projects and the implementation of innovative technologies.

    Both parties expressed interest in launching mutually beneficial initiatives and expanding investment opportunities. The CNUC delegation shared insights from their international experience and highlighted their achievements in global projects. The meeting also included an exchange of views on potential collaborative research and further development within the geological sector.

  • Uzbekistan Explores Cooperation with Utah in Mining and Geological Sectors

    Uzbekistan Explores Cooperation with Utah in Mining and Geological Sectors

    On May 16, 2025, First Deputy Minister of Mining Industry and Geology, O. Nasritdinhojaev, along with representatives from the Ministry, met with a delegation from the U.S. state of Utah.

    During the meeting, the parties discussed the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan’s mining sector, the investment opportunities being created, and explored prospects for cooperation in investments, advanced technologies, and scientific research, considering Utah’s economic potential and its advanced expertise in the mining and geological fields.

    Additionally, both sides exchanged views on improving the qualifications of lecturers and students of the University of Geological Sciences under the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology. Discussions also included the possibility of opening branches of Utah-based universities specializing in geology and mining—such as the University of Utah and Utah State University—in Uzbekistan.

  • Kazakhstan Faces Geologist Shortage Due to Gap in Specialist Training

    Kazakhstan Faces Geologist Shortage Due to Gap in Specialist Training

    Kazakhstan is experiencing a severe shortage of geologists due to a long pause in the development of the profession. This was reported by Margulan Baibatyrov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee of Geology at the Ministry of Industry and Construction, according to Kazinform News Agency.

    According to him, despite the high salaries and the prestige of the profession, there was a period in Kazakhstan’s geological exploration history when the work of geologists was not in demand. This led to a significant gap of about 30 years between generations of specialists.

    The exact number of geologists currently needed in the country was not specified, but Baibatyrov noted that all graduates from universities specializing in this field are successfully employed.

    The issue of the shortage of qualified geologists was previously raised by Rashid Zhaksylykov, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Legal Entities “Union of Oilfield Service Companies of Kazakhstan.” In an interview with Kazinform in March 2025, he emphasized the need to intensify the training of specialists in this area.

  • Uzbekistan’s Mining Ministry Discusses Cooperation with SinoPowell Capital

    Uzbekistan’s Mining Ministry Discusses Cooperation with SinoPowell Capital

    The Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of Uzbekistan hosted a meeting between First Deputy Minister O. Nasritdinkhodjaev and Steve Powell, Managing Director of SinoPowell Capital (USA).

    During the discussion, the parties reviewed recent reforms in the mining and geological sectors, as well as key projects led by JSC “Uzbek Technological Metals Plant.” They also explored opportunities for strengthening long-term cooperation in the industry.

    The meeting highlighted Uzbekistan’s commitment to modernizing its mining sector and attracting foreign investment, with SinoPowell Capital expressing interest in potential projects and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing technological advancements and production efficiency.

    Both sides agreed on the importance of continued dialogue to facilitate mutual growth and innovation in the field of technological metals.