PM: Kazakhstan to Boost Geological Exploration Funding in 2025

Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has unveiled plans to significantly increase funding for geological exploration in 2025, directing revenues from signing bonuses linked to subsoil use auctions toward this goal.

The budget for geological development is set at a minimum of 30 billion tenge ($56 million), with prospects for further increases, Bektenov stated during a recent government meeting, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The prime minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to improving labor safety conditions for metallurgists and miners.

To strengthen the mining industry, Bektenov issued several key directives:

The Ministry of Industry, in partnership with major mining enterprises, must develop a detailed plan by October 1 aimed at increasing the production of high value-added products.

Together with the Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund, the Ministry of Industry is tasked with promoting extraction and production of technologically advanced products using critical and rare metals, while also implementing industrial waste recycling to support a circular economy.

The Ministries of Science and Higher Education and Industry are to create an industry-focused training program within one month and enhance the integration of scientific research to foster innovation in production technologies.

The Ministries of Industry, Ecology, Emergency Situations, and leading mining companies are charged with modernizing production facilities, deploying new technologies, and raising safety standards across the sector.