President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted in his address to the nation that the country’s large-scale airborne geophysical surveys are “completely outdated.”

According to the President, it is essential to rapidly develop modern subsurface maps using digital tools and artificial intelligence technologies.

He emphasised that effective geological exploration cannot be ensured without a solid scientific foundation and instructed the establishment of a certified laboratory at the National Geological Service by mid-next year, in accordance with international standards. The President also called for an accelerated process of systematising and digitising geological data and completing legislative reforms in the field of subsoil use by the end of the year.

Last week, at the Council of Domestic Entrepreneurs chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Abayevich Bektenov, key proposals for the development of the mining sector were presented. The Council of Domestic Entrepreneurs under the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan is an advisory body established in 2022 to develop proposals for improving legislation, attracting investments, and enhancing the business climate.

During the meeting, our representatives emphasised that modern airborne geophysical surveys are critical for attracting investment into geological exploration and the mining industry. Without updating and expanding the geological database, Kazakhstan risks losing the interest of leading global investors who rely on high-precision, AI-enhanced exploration methods to reduce risks and assess the potential of deposits.

The discussion also addressed important issues such as improving tax legislation, including royalty and mineral extraction tax rates, simplifying the tax regime for geological service companies, creating a transparent mechanism for the targeted use of subsoil users’ lease payments, and facilitating access to land for exploration activities.

It was noted that Kazakhstan possesses significant geological potential and could strengthen its position among the world’s industry leaders if barriers for investors are reduced and systemic reforms are supported. Together, these measures are expected to stimulate investor interest, strengthen regulatory confidence, and create favourable conditions for sustainable development of the mining sector.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister confirmed that the National Airborne Geophysical Mapping Programme will be launched in the near future, and the Government will provide the necessary support for its successful implementation.

This initiative fully aligns with our approach — the world’s largest airborne geophysics company, which has been carrying out large-scale projects in multiple countries.

Currently, Xcalibur conducts national airborne geophysical programmes in Brazil, Mongolia, Zambia, and Australia.

In Kazakhstan, we successfully completed significant survey work this year for several leading international mining companies and deployed advanced technologies, including the iCORUS-iX gravimeter. This lightweight and highly precise equipment allows for high-quality data acquisition even in challenging terrain and turbulent conditions.

Xcalibur Kazakhstan has successfully implemented major projects in Saudi Arabia and is also participating in an international airborne geophysics project in Angola, where its team simultaneously conducts training for field specialists, transferring accumulated knowledge and technology. Thus, the company plays a key role not only in exploring new territories but also in developing human capital in the geophysics sector.

By the end of the current year, Xcalibur  plans to complete a new project in Kazakhstan using artificial intelligence for geophysical data interpretation. This initiative will be an important milestone in the digital transformation of geological exploration and will accelerate the identification of prospective deposits.

The launch of the National Airborne Geophysical Mapping Programme, supported by the President and the Government, opens new opportunities for Kazakhstan.

The integration of modern technologies, international expertise, and AI-based data interpretation will not only attract long-term investment but also significantly enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global geological exploration map.