MINEX Forum

Tag: minerals.gov.kz

  • Ministry of Industry and Construction Launches Pilot Project

    Ministry of Industry and Construction Launches Pilot Project

    In a significant move towards streamlining reporting processes, the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan initiated a pilot project on March 5, 2024. This project aims to facilitate the submission of reports by subsoil users through a unified platform known as “Minerals.gov.kz”. Under this initiative, subsoil users are required to submit reports concerning their exploration and extraction operations in accordance with the Regulations for the Submission of Reports by Subsoil Users During Exploration and Extraction Operations, approved by the Minister for Investments and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan on May 24, 2018, under Order No. 374.

    The pilot project enables subsoil users engaged in exploration and extraction operations to submit various types of reports electronically. These reports include compliance reports on exploration of solid minerals, as per the format outlined in Appendix 1 of the Regulations, and compliance reports on extraction of solid minerals, as per the format outlined in Appendix 2 of the Regulations. Subsoil users are required to fill out electronic forms available on the “Minerals.gov.kz” e-platform and authenticate them using the electronic digital signature of an authorized representative empowered to provide such information.

  • The National Geological Service (NGS) plans to develop another database of geological data, which will be integrated into the information platform minerals.gov.kz

    The National Geological Service (NGS) plans to develop another database of geological data, which will be integrated into the information platform minerals.gov.kz

    According to the comments made by the head of the national company, Erlan Galiev, during the capital conference “Increasing the Investment Attractiveness of Kazakhstan’s Mining Industry,” organized by the Kazakhstan Mining Chamber and reported by inbusiness.kz, the NGS intends to create a database specifically for primary geological information within the minerals.gov.kz portal.

    The minerals.gov.kz platform, which supports solid mineral exploration, was launched into industrial operation last year with the technical support of the national company “Kazakhstan Garysh Sapary.” The Subsoil Code, which came into effect in 2018, anticipated the creation of a special information system in the form of a National Bank of Mineral Resources, through which market participants could access all geological information and submit online applications for subsoil plots based on the “first come, first served” principle.

    Galiev mentioned that 20% of all primary geological information was digitized last year, and this year, they plan to digitize another 30%. By the end of 2025, they expect to fully digitize and populate the minerals.gov.kz IT platform with primary geological reports from the NGS.

    Regarding the selection of IT solutions, negotiations are currently underway with potential suppliers, whom Galiev preferred not to name, among global vendors with experience in working with national geological data banks for Asian, European, and American countries.

    Galiev emphasized the necessity of a separate database for primary geological information to ensure that it is properly structured, cataloged, and accompanied by metadata for the convenience of investors. He explained that the information digitized last year is currently stored on hard disks because simply dumping it into the system without proper organization would be incorrect. The data must be cartographically referenced, and if it involves geophysical information, it must be visualized.

    Galiev clarified that all primary geological data will be stored as part of the activities of the state technical service in Kazakhstan. After digitization, the reports will be translated into English using optical character recognition and artificial intelligence technologies.

    Currently, the downloaded secondary geological data cannot be accessed as minerals.gov.kz is migrating to another platform with the participation of “Kazakhstan Garysh Sapary.” Once the migration is complete, mechanisms for downloading geological reports will be linked to the platform, and users will be able to access them after connecting the acquiring tool.

    Galiev addressed the issue of increasing fees for providing geological data, stating that the pricing list was approved in 2022 and has not been changed since. He emphasized that efforts are being made to improve data packaging for users and expedite the process, reducing the waiting time for reports from several months to 10 working days, or two days at most if the report has already been scanned. Thus, there are no plans to increase fees for geological data provision.

  • New Procedure for Applying for Mining Licenses in Kazakhstan

    New Procedure for Applying for Mining Licenses in Kazakhstan

    This innovative system, available on the unified platform for subsoil users, “Minerals.gov.kz,” aims to streamline and enhance the efficiency of the application process. The ministry’s press service, as reported by inbusiness.kz, has confirmed this development.

    Through Ministerial Order No. 517, issued on July 14, 2023, significant amendments have been introduced to the Rules for the Submission and Review of Applications for the issuance of licenses for the extraction of solid minerals. The effective date for the implementation of these amendments is September 20, 2023.

    Consequently, commencing from August 20, 2023, the acceptance of documents for acquiring licenses related to the extraction of solid minerals will be exclusively conducted in electronic format. This transition to electronic submission is expected to enhance the convenience, speed, and effectiveness of the licensing process.

  • Kazakhstan’s subsoil tender platform received 315 electronic applications

    Kazakhstan’s subsoil tender platform received 315 electronic applications

    The total number of platform users has reached 1519.

    The exploration of subsoil has received 315 electronic applications. According to the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry, Bagdat Mussin, the minerals.gov.kz platform was launched in June, as reported by inbusiness.kz.

    “It creates favorable conditions for investors and businesses interested in subsoil development. Today, information about locations with geological survey results and active contracts has been integrated into the system. As of today, 58,620 contours have been digitized. While 39 thousand reports are geographically mapped. By the end of this year, a function will be developed to provide initial geological reports,” he said.

    Additionally, the platform has gathered a collection of layers including defense and national designated lands, water resources, animal burial sites, cemeteries, and other restricted areas. The minister added that this encompasses information from at least 60 cartographic layers.

    “To maintain the ‘currency’ of data, specialized automated workstations of industry state bodies will be added to the platform by the end of this year,” Mussin clarified.

    According to him, the department has also analyzed, reengineered, and digitized processes for businesses and investors, such as application submission, license acquisition, and report filing.

    “As a result, bureaucracy, paperwork, and wear and tear of thresholds in these processes will be reduced. Today, processes such as submitting applications for exploration and extraction, verifying the use of restricted territories, license signing, approval or rejection of applications, and court filing are automated. To simplify the license issuance process, integration with relevant information systems of state bodies has been carried out. At the initial stage, databases of individuals and legal entities, personal data control services, and unified account information systems have been added,” explained the department head.

    In the future, information systems such as conducting payments with second-tier banks, conducting auctions, and monitoring the timing of government services will be integrated, he noted.

    The total number of platform users has reached 1519. There have been 315 electronic applications submitted for exploration and processing.

  • Kazakhstan Houses More Than 8 Thousand Mineral Deposits, Reports MIID RK

    Kazakhstan Houses More Than 8 Thousand Mineral Deposits, Reports MIID RK

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Deputy Head highlighted the dual-pronged approach in the nation’s geological study of its subsoil: “regional subsoil exploration” and “prospecting endeavors.”

    Nationwide regional subsoil studies have achieved substantial coverage, encompassing 94.5% of Kazakhstan’s territory through expansive geological surveys at a 200,000th scale. In tandem, focused prospecting efforts are underway across 16 key areas, aimed at securing the stability of pivotal city-centric industries adjacent to single-industry towns. Notably, 12 of these sites are actively engaged in developing the rare earth metals sector, following Cabinet directives.

    The Program overseeing the State Subsoil Fund encompasses the entirety of Kazakhstan’s subsoil accessible for use. To unlock the nation’s potential and amplify investment in exploration, the Vice Minister underscored the necessity of allocating funds for regional research.

    MIID RK is strategically poised to augment the mineral resource repository and attract investments for geological exploration. Their proposal encompasses the integration of geological exploration into Kazakhstan’s national priorities, introducing innovative mechanisms to heighten both public and private investments. This strategy is complemented by an exhaustive review of historical data, culminating in a methodical approach tailored to the distinct mineral types.

    Additionally, Beispekov detailed the successful launch of the minerals.gov.kz information platform this year. With around 40,000 reports integrated into the system, plans are underway to digitize the operational processes of subsoil users. This initiative aims to provide open access to geological materials and simplify interactions for prospective and existing investors through a unified interface.

    Simultaneously, the National Geological Service, established in 2021, is actively digitizing primary geological data. This transformation will result in publicly available information on minerals.gov.kz. The conversion target for the year includes 861,000 paper records, 129,000 graphical documents, 38,000 magnetic media, and 16,000 cartridges into electronic formats.

    Beispekov emphasized the comprehensive nature of Kazakhstan’s state balance sheet, accounting for over 8,000 deposits spanning a diverse range of more than 100 mineral types, including solid minerals, hydrocarbons, and groundwater.