Kazakhstan is preparing for a significant increase in exploration and appraisal drilling as it seeks to discover new oil and gas deposits, strengthen domestic oilfield services and expand its drilling industry.

The plans were discussed at the KAZDRILLING conference in Atyrau, where officials highlighted the growing importance of drilling activity to maintaining the country’s resource potential, the Kazakh Energy Ministry said, according to Qazinform.

Vice Minister of Energy Yerlan Akbarov said increased drilling would be essential for identifying new deposits and replenishing Kazakhstan’s hydrocarbon reserves.

Preliminary estimates show that exploration and appraisal drilling could reach around 80 wells in 2026. The pace is expected to accelerate further, with up to 120 wells annually in 2027 and 2028.

Overall, around 200 wells are planned over the two-year period covered by the latest development plans.

Kazakhstan is placing particular emphasis on relatively underexplored sedimentary basins, which are considered to have considerable oil and gas potential.

Kazakhstan is also simplifying the process for companies seeking exploration areas.

Under the updated procedure, once an application is submitted, the Ministry of Energy will organize an auction within 10 working days.

Companies receiving exploration areas will also face clear geological work requirements. During the first three years, seismic surveys must cover at least 30% of the allocated territory, followed by the drilling of exploration wells.

The government is also seeking to increase the share of locally produced equipment and services in the drilling sector.

Kazakhstan already has industrial capabilities to support this goal. Companies operating in the country manufacture specialized drilling equipment, including drill bits and calibrators.

One example is the Zhigermunayservice plant in Atyrau, which produces equipment used in drilling operations.

“Our task is to establish a sustainable and competitive drilling services market,” Akbarov said. “The results should include new geological discoveries, replenishment of reserves, development of domestic manufacturing, creation of skilled jobs and increased tax revenues.”