British energy major Shell has signed a new exploration contract with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy for the Zhanaturmys block in the Aktobe Region, expanding the company’s upstream presence in one of the country’s most promising hydrocarbon basins.
The agreement allows Shell to begin geological exploration at the Zhanaturmys block, which covers approximately 1,377 square kilometres and lies within a region considered to hold significant oil and gas potential. The contract was signed by Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Energy, Erlan Akbarov, and Shell Kazakhstan Senior Vice President and Chair, Suzanne Coogan.
Under the terms of the agreement, the company will conduct seismic surveys, gather geological data and carry out a technical assessment of the site. The programme includes 3D seismic surveys and the potential drilling of a deep exploratory well, reflecting the scale and technical complexity of the project.
Kazakh officials say the initiative is intended to strengthen the country’s long-term hydrocarbon resource base. According to Vice Minister Akbarov, the project is expected to contribute to energy security while supporting sustainable economic development through continued exploration activity.
For Shell, the contract marks the continuation of its long-standing involvement in Kazakhstan’s energy sector. Coogan said the agreement reflects the company’s commitment to long-term co-operation with the country and its intention to apply global expertise and advanced technologies to help expand Kazakhstan’s resource base.
The exploration contract will remain in force until 2032 and will be implemented under Kazakhstan’s improved model exploration contract framework. As part of its obligations, Shell will also allocate at least $200,000 towards socio-economic development initiatives in the region where the Zhanaturmys block is located.
The agreement comes amid a broader legal and regulatory context involving Kazakhstan and several international oil companies operating in the country. Earlier this year, a consortium that includes Eni, Chevron and Lukoil, alongside Shell, lost a court dispute concerning cost deductions under the Karachaganak gas condensate field project.
The ruling could result in payments to Kazakhstan estimated at between $2 billion and $4 billion, although the consortium retains the right to appeal. Investors had previously proposed resolving the dispute by constructing a gas processing plant to supply Kazakhstan’s domestic market.
Separately, legal proceedings continue in relation to the Kashagan oil field, one of the largest offshore oil developments in the world. Kazakh authorities have raised claims linked to environmental violations, including the storage of sulphur above permitted limits, as well as questions regarding the justification of project costs. The state’s claims in the Kashagan case are estimated at around $13.5 billion.
Despite these disputes, Kazakhstan’s leadership has repeatedly stressed that co-operation with international investors remains stable. According to the Ministry of Energy, 321 contracts for hydrocarbon exploration and production are currently active in Kazakhstan’s subsoil use sector.
Biological samples from an Italian man were transferred to a specialist hospital for testing on Tuesday, after he was suspected of contra...
Kuwait arrested four members of an IRGC-linked group as they tried to enter the country by sea, the Gulf s...
Uzbekistan Energy Week 2026 has opened in Tashkent, bringing together international ...
AnewZ has premiered its new investigative documentary, Shadow of the Cross, examining the power, history and co...
Senior officials from China and Uzbekistan met in Beijing this week for talks on tra...
Biological samples from an Italian man were transferred to a specialist hospital for testing on Tuesday, after he was suspected of contracting hantavirus. Meanwhile, World Health Organization boss Tedros Ghebreyesus said there were “no sign” of a larger outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise.
Kuwait arrested four members of an IRGC-linked group as they tried to enter the country by sea, the Gulf state's KUNA news agency reported on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a senior IRGC officer said Iran had expanded its definition of the Strait of Hormuz to include a far wider area.
Uzbekistan Energy Week 2026 has opened in Tashkent, bringing together international energy companies, government officials and industry experts to discuss energy security, technological transformation and regional cooperation.
Senior officials from China and Uzbekistan met in Beijing this week for talks on trade, infrastructure and bilateral cooperation, underscoring a relationship that has continued to deepen steadily in recent years.
Kuwait arrested four members of an IRGC-linked group as they tried to enter the country by sea, the Gulf state's KUNA news agency reported on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a senior IRGC officer said Iran had expanded its definition of the Strait of Hormuz to include a far wider area.
Australia confirmed it will repatriate citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, with quarantine on arrival. Spain, France are evacuating nationals as three deaths are confirmed. In the U.S., two passengers have been isolated after testing positive for the virus.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed Iran’s response to a U.S. peace proposal as a “stupid proposal,” saying Tehran failed to commit to abandoning its pursuit of a nuclear weapon, while warning the fragile ceasefire was on “massive life support”.
Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku has been elected the 142nd head of the Georgian Orthodox Church at a meeting of clergy in Tbilisi following the death of longtime Patriarch Ilia II.
Afghanistan has signed a five-year gold mining contract with Afghan and Azerbaijani companies in a deal worth more than $20m, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has said.
AnewZ has premiered its new investigative documentary, Shadow of the Cross, examining the power, history and contested role of one of the world’s most recognised humanitarian symbols.
Uzbekistan Energy Week 2026 has opened in Tashkent, bringing together international energy companies, government officials and industry experts to discuss energy security, technological transformation and regional cooperation.
Japan’s first import of crude oil from Azerbaijan has highlighted the country’s energy vulnerability and renewed efforts to diversify supply chains beyond the Middle East, according to Professor Sejiro Takeshita of the University of Shizuoka.
A key border crossing between southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria reopened to limited civilian traffic on Tuesday after remaining closed since 2014 amid the Syrian conflict.
Three Afghan journalists have been detained by Afghan intelligence officials in Kabul, according to media support groups, raising fresh concerns about press freedom in Afghanistan.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment