Shell Kazakhstan and the Kazakh Ministry of Energy have signed a contract for geological exploration at the Zhanaturmys site in the Aktobe Region.

The agreement, signed by Vice Minister of Energy Yerlan Akbarov and Shell Kazakhstan’s Senior Vice President and Country Chair Suzanne Coogan, sets out a plan for seismological surveys, data collection, and technical evaluation, subject to regulatory approvals, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

“The project will strengthen Kazakhstan’s energy security, expand the country’s hydrocarbon resource base, and support sustainable economic growth,” Akbarov said. Coogan added that the contract confirms Shell’s long-term commitment to Kazakhstan, leveraging global expertise and advanced technologies to advance exploration.

The Zhanaturmys site spans 1,377 square meters in one of Kazakhstan’s most promising oil and gas basins. The work program includes 3D seismic surveys and the potential drilling of a deep exploration well.

Set to run until 2032 under the improved model contract, Shell will also invest at least 100 million tenge ($201,325) to support the socio-economic development of the surrounding region.