Kazakhstan is taking another step toward modernizing its resource sector, with energy giant Shell joining a new initiative to digitize and analyze the country's vast geological archives.

The Ministry of Energy, the National Geological Service, and Shell Kazakhstan have signed a memorandum of cooperation to launch a pilot project for the development of a modern Geographic Information System (GIS), The Caspian Post reports via Kapital.kz.

The new digital platform will enable the processing, interpretation, and analysis of Kazakhstan’s extensive historical geological data, assisting to unlock new opportunities for resource exploration and development.

Kazakh Deputy Energy Minister Yerlan Akbarov described the agreement as an important step in strengthening cooperation between government institutions, national organizations, and international partners.

Akbarov said that Kazakhstan is prioritizing greater efficiency in geological exploration through the adoption of digital technologies and advanced data management tools. By combining expertise, technological solutions, and industry knowledge, the country aims to better identify and develop its resource potential while ensuring sustainable growth of the sector.

Chairman of the Board of the National Geological Service, Yerlan Galiyev, said cooperation with international partners will strengthen the analytical and interpretation capabilities of geological data related to hydrocarbons and improve decision-making in the subsoil use sector.

Meanwhile, Senior Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Kazakhstan Suzanne Coogan noted that the project aligns with Kazakhstan’s strategic goal of economic digitalization. She emphasized that Shell’s global expertise and advanced technologies can help improve the efficiency of hydrocarbon exploration across the country.

The initiative forms part of Kazakhstan’s broader push to integrate artificial intelligence into geological data management. The National Geological Service is already implementing a Big Data project powered by AI to store, organize, and optimize the use of geological information.

More than 73% of Kazakhstan’s primary geological records have already been digitized, while the country is also rolling out a unified mineral resources platform designed to streamline access to geological information and support future investment in the mining and energy sectors.

As Kazakhstan accelerates its digital transformation, officials hope that advanced analytics, AI, and international partnerships will help uncover new resource opportunities and strengthen the country’s position as a leading destination for exploration and investment.