Bektenov has tasked the search and development of new oil fields in Kazakhstan.

As part of international cooperation with geological services from other countries, joint efforts are underway to explore promising mineral resource deposits in Eastern Kazakhstan.

“In the area of hydrocarbon raw materials, a mechanism for the Enhanced Model Contract has been implemented. This aims to increase competitiveness and create conditions to attract investments in geological exploration of complex deposits. Given the rising demand for rare earth metals, searches are being completed at 12 sites with state funding. Lithium, in particular, is of special relevance, with searches being conducted within the Bayankol area, as well as in the Aral and Caspian regions,” said Bektenov.

Additionally, in 2024, an area of approximately one million square kilometers was opened for exploration of solid minerals. This has attracted major international companies such as Riotinto, Fortescue, Arras Minerals, and others.

However, despite Kazakhstan's leading position in the reserves of certain types of metals, the country is experiencing a decline in production. The Prime Minister noted the evident low activity in exploration works aimed at expanding reserves of solid minerals and hydrocarbons.

“We need to change the existing approaches to work. It is essential to develop and clearly implement a state policy for the rational and effective use of the existing mineral resource base and the exploration of new deposits. It should be understood that there is currently a depletion of extracted minerals and the presence of high impurities. This requires significant financial resources and the development of new extraction and purification technologies,” added Bektenov.

To address this, he instructed the development of specific measures and incentives to attract investments. The National Geological Service, established at the request of the Head of State, should receive appropriate support and authority, as well as scientific and technological infrastructure. For instance, the "Samruk-Kazyna" Fund possesses such infrastructure and technological equipment. Coordinating this work is essential.

“It is important to understand that geological exploration is associated with high geological and financial risks. According to global statistics, the success rate of geological exploration projects is only 20-30%. Therefore, the government pays special attention to supporting this sector, creating favorable conditions for attracting investments, and developing new incentive mechanisms and further improving legislation,” emphasized Bektenov.

In this context, he instructed:

The Ministries of Industry and Energy to develop specific mechanisms and necessary legislative amendments to attract investments in geological exploration, including providing incentives for the development of “deep” horizons and complex deposits.

The Ministry of Industry, together with the Ministry of Trade and the "Samruk-Kazyna" Fund to establish a specialized accredited laboratory for analytical research of rocks that meets international standards.

The Ministries of Industry and Energy along with the "Samruk-Kazyna" Fund to work on creating a scientific ecological-geological cluster based at the National Geological Service.

In the initial stage, the existing technological capabilities of "Tau-Ken Samruk" should be utilized.

“Overall, 'Tau-Ken Samruk' needs to be supported and developed. We must first transfer our underground national wealth to state-owned companies, explore them, develop, and then attract investors. Only then will the value increase, and the state will benefit. This tool needs to be utilized more broadly,” said the Prime Minister.

The Ministry of Industry, together with the Ministries of Energy, Digitalization, and Finance, is to develop an effective financing mechanism and conduct airborne geophysical surveys in areas of primary importance by the end of the year.

The Ministries of Industry, along with the Ministries of Finance, Digital Development, and the National Geological Service, should enhance the digitization of historical data. It is also necessary to ensure appropriate measures for its preservation.