Americans are set to explore lithium and rare metal deposits in Kazakhstan.

“As part of the collaboration with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a review (audit) of the National Geological Service (NGS) is scheduled for 2025, involving an international team of leaders from foreign geological services (USA, France, Germany, Finland). At the suggestion of the Bureau of Energy Resources of the U.S. Department of State, a trilateral MOU has been signed with the National Company 'Tauken-Samruk' to cooperate in the study of lithium resources in the Aral Sea region and to conduct geochemical surveys of rare metals in the Kalba-Narym region. Funding will be provided by the American side,” said Yerlan Galiyev.

A project is underway with the British Geological Survey (BGS), which includes several missions to Kazakhstan. Additionally, a project with BGS is planned regarding a Reference Database for Visual Aids (a grant from the British government).

“The NGS is actively collaborating with European government services. For instance, joint bilateral seminars with the BRGM French Geological Survey are set to take place in 2025, focusing on remote sensing, geochemistry, predictive mapping, post-mining waste, and more. Meanwhile, collaboration with GTK (Finland, MOU at PDAC 2024) will emphasize strengthening and developing databases and GIS systems. In this regard, the Finns are recognized as some of the best global experts,” he added.

During a government hour in the Mazhilis, deputy Edil Zhanbyrshin expressed concern about the state of Kazakhstan's oil and gas sector. He believes the country risks running out of oil. The deputy reminded that the president pointed out the low level of geological exploration in his address. According to Zhanbyrshin, systematic research has not been conducted in the last 25 years. Today, the increase in reserves is ensured by the re-evaluation of fields discovered during the Soviet era.