Kazakhstan has introduced a new subsoil use law aimed at unlocking the potential of underexplored areas and attracting increased investment in the energy sector. According to the Ministry of Energy, the legislation establishes a special contract type for exploration and production in previously underexplored territories, offering significantly enhanced terms for investors.
Under the new framework, companies that independently finance geological exploration will be granted priority rights for subsequent subsurface use. The Ministry expects this provision to dramatically boost geological activity and accelerate the discovery and development of new hydrocarbon reserves.
The legislative amendments also streamline operational procedures. Subsoil users are now permitted to conduct additional exploration at depths beyond 5,000 meters under existing production contracts, without altering the surface boundaries. This change enables faster exploration of deep reserves while reducing bureaucratic delays.
Officials say the updated legal framework is designed to improve Kazakhstan’s investment climate and provide new incentives for capital inflow into the extractive industries.
According to The Times of Central Asia, investment in geological exploration exceeded $150 million in the first nine months of 2025, following $285 million in 2023 and $304 million in 2024.
As of now, Kazakhstan has 324 active hydrocarbon subsoil use contracts, including 15 for exploration, 170 for combined exploration and production, 131 for production, and 8 production sharing agreements (PSAs), according to the Ministry of Energy.
