Astana (TDI): Kazakhstan has enacted a new subsoil use law designed to open underexplored territories to investors and stimulate growth in the energy sector.
The legislation introduces a special type of contract for exploration and production in previously underexplored areas, offering more favorable terms to encourage private investment, the Ministry of Energy said.
Under the new framework, companies that independently fund geological exploration will receive priority rights for future subsurface development, a move expected to boost exploration activity and accelerate the discovery of new hydrocarbon reserves.
The law also simplifies operational procedures. Subsoil users can now conduct additional exploration at depths beyond 5,000 meters under existing production contracts without changing surface boundaries. This adjustment allows for quicker access to deep reserves while reducing bureaucratic delays.
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Officials say the updated legal framework aims to enhance Kazakhstan’s investment climate and attract greater capital inflows into the extractive industries.
According to The Times of Central Asia, investment in geological exploration exceeded $150 million during the first nine months of 2025, following $285 million in 2023 and $304 million in 2024.
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Currently, Kazakhstan has 324 active hydrocarbon subsoil use contracts, including 15 for exploration, 170 for combined exploration and production, 131 for production, and eight production sharing agreements, the Ministry of Energy reported.
