Alibek Zhamauov, Chairman of the Management Board of JSC NC QazaqGaz, addressed the international geological forum Geoscience & Exploration Central Asia, highlighting exploration as a key pillar of the national company’s strategy against the backdrop of growing global gas demand.
The head of QazaqGaz noted that, by the end of 2025, Kazakhstan’s raw gas production had reached 68 billion cubic metres, while marketable gas output stood at 27.4 billion cubic metres. According to him, these figures demonstrate the resilience of the sector and its capacity to meet domestic demand while fulfilling export commitments.
QazaqGaz is currently stepping up its exploration activity. Work is underway on five of the 11 licensed blocks, both independently and in partnership, with estimated resources of 107 billion cubic metres. Particular emphasis is being placed on international cooperation. Among its partners are Chevron and Eni, with whom agreements have been signed for the KT-III and Kamenkovsky blocks. A contract is also expected to be concluded with CNPC for exploration at the Severny-1 block.
The national company is also accelerating geophysical surveys at the Severny-2 block, while seismic exploration has commenced at Maldybai. At Saralzhyn, geochemical and seismic studies are planned, to be followed by the drilling of two exploration wells.
“In January, QazaqGaz submitted an application to expand its exploration portfolio, as a result of which the pool of blocks increased to 25. Total estimated resources exceed 1 trillion cubic metres, covering the country’s key sedimentary basins, including the Pre-Caspian, Aral and Chu-Sarysu,” said Alibek Zhamauov.
Taking into account the new areas, QazaqGaz’s portfolio will reach 31 prospective blocks and five exploration licences, with a total area exceeding 110,000 square kilometres.
Between 2026 and 2028, the company plans to carry out extensive fieldwork across the majority of its blocks. Earlier, in 2025, the Barkhannaya field was brought into commercial production. At the same time, the Amangeldy group of fields remains QazaqGaz’s key asset, with recoverable reserves of approximately 15.2 billion cubic metres.
In concluding his remarks, the head of QazaqGaz emphasised that the company’s strategy is being implemented in line with instructions from the Head of State aimed at intensifying exploration and developing new hydrocarbon resources.
