BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19. Kazakhstan’s
Ministry of Energy, JSC "National Geological Service," and Shell
Kazakhstan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on the study and
analysis of hydrocarbon data, Trend reports via the ministry.
The partnership places a strong emphasis on the exchange of
advanced global expertise and the digitalization of archival
geological information related to hydrocarbons. The document
establishes a sustainable platform for joint specialist training
and in-depth subsurface analysis.
A key practical element of the memorandum is the launch of a
pilot project to develop a modern geoinformation system (GIS). The
digital platform will enable advanced processing and interpretation
of accumulated historical geological data.
Digitalization is expected to significantly enhance
understanding of the country’s resource potential and strengthen
the investment attractiveness of the sector.
"Signing this memorandum is an important step in strengthening
cooperation between government bodies, national institutions, and
international partners. For Kazakhstan, improving the efficiency of
geological exploration is a priority, including through the active
introduction of digital technologies and modern approaches to
geological data management. Combining knowledge, experience, and
technological solutions will allow us to more effectively unlock
the country’s resource potential and ensure the systemic
development of the sector," said Vice Minister of Energy of
Kazakhstan Yerlan Akbarov.
The operator of the country’s geological data base also
highlighted the importance of technological integration.
"The National Geological Service is consistently developing an
open and modern geological platform for Kazakhstan. Cooperation
with international partners such as Shell will strengthen the
analytical and interpretative base of hydrocarbon geological data
and improve the quality of decision-making in the subsoil use
sector," said Chairman of the Board of the National Geological
Service Yerlan Galiyev.
Representatives of the international company also welcomed the
integration of global IT tools into Kazakhstan’s extractive
industry.
"Signing this memorandum, including plans for a pilot project to
develop a digital platform for processing and interpreting
historical geological data, confirms Shell’s commitment to
long-term cooperation with the Republic of Kazakhstan. We support
Kazakhstan’s strategic priority of digitalizing the economy and
believe that the application of advanced technologies and our
global expertise will contribute to improving the efficiency of
hydrocarbon exploration," said Suzanne Coogan, Senior Vice
President and Chair of Shell Kazakhstan.
Meanwhile, in March 2026, the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan
and Shell signed a contract for geological exploration at the
Zhanaturmys site in the Aktobe region. The contract provides for
seismic surveys, the collection of geological data, and a technical
assessment of the project in accordance with applicable regulatory
requirements and subject to obtaining the necessary permits.
The Zhanaturmys block covers an area of 1,377 square kilometers
and is located in one of the most promising oil and gas basins in
the country. The work program includes 3D seismic surveys and the
potential drilling of a deep exploratory well.
Given the scale and technical complexity of the project, the
contract will remain in force until 2032 and will be implemented
under the terms of an improved model contract. During the contract
period, Shell will allocate at least 100 million tenge (about
$200,068) to support socio-economic development in the region where
the site is located.
Currently, Shell participates in several significant projects in
Kazakhstan, including the Karachaganak field, the North Caspian
project in Kashagan, and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium.
