Promote new discoveries and responsible project management, creating long-term value for the industry
Kazakhstan has significant untapped potential in subsoil use. Our task is to help open it competently, responsibly and with long-term effect
We combine practical field experience, a deep understanding of the regulatory environment and the ability to work with the investment logic of projects.
Graduated from University College London (UCL) with a degree in Economics and Business. Said has 16 years of experience in Mining Sector.
In 2006 started working career in Toronto, Canada at the advisory firm “BWI First Intelligence” overlooking m&a transactions in mining sector.
Worked at the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, managed subsoil use projects including licensing and contract execution. Since 2022, she has held the position of Managing Director of Subsoil Use at “Aurora Group”.
Vitaliy Sergeyevich makes a significant contribution to strengthening “Aurora Group” position in the transport and logistics sector, ensuring high efficiency and reliability.
Ulan Nurkhanuly significantly contributes to the development of “Aurora Group”, ensuring its success in geological exploration.
A geophysicist with more than 8 years of experience in ground-based and airborne geophysical exploration, international project management, and operations. He combines in-depth technical expertise with practical experience leading large-scale geophysical projects and international teams.
A geophysicist with extensive international experience in the application and development of geophysical methods for mineral exploration across Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Associated with Aurora Geophysics since 2022.
Master of Geology and Senior Geophysicist-Interpreter with experience in leading geological exploration companies of Kazakhstan. Specializes in integrated interpretation of geophysical data, identification of prospective targets, and development of high-precision geological and geophysical models.
Meruyert Duisekhanova is a business development and client relations professional with over 18 years of experience in international companies and large-scale infrastructure, engineering, and construction projects. Her expertise includes business development, strategic partnerships, client relationship management, and international project coordination.
Lawyer specializing in subsoil use, corporate law, M&A, and investment transactions. Provides legal support for subsoil use licenses, asset transactions, AIFC corporate matters, and the development of the Group’s mineral projects.
Focusing on business development, commercial operations and strategic growth of the company.
An exploration geologist with experience in gold and copper projects, and a nominee for the “Golden Hephaestus 2023” Award.
Said Sultanov is a mining and exploration professional and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in Canada, the UK and Central Asia. His experience covers mineral exploration, geophysics, investment, M&A and development of mining projects in Kazakhstan.
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Career Highlights
Current Focus
Sultanov is involved in the development of mining and exploration companies in Kazakhstan, with a focus on mineral exploration, application of modern geophysical technologies, investment and development of the country’s mineral potential.
Xcalibur Smart Mapping
Xcalibur Smart Mapping is an international company specializing in airborne geophysical surveys and geological mapping. The company provides end-to-end services, including data acquisition, processing, interpretation, and geophysical data management.
Xcalibur works across mineral exploration, oil and gas, groundwater, and geothermal energy.
The company has 16 offices, approximately 40 specialized aircraft, and 88 geophysical systems. Xcalibur has been present in Kazakhstan since 2023, with an office in Astana.
Kapénova Madina Rashidovna is a highly qualified specialist with over 15 years of experience in subsoil use and geological exploration.
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Professional Experience: Worked at the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, managed subsoil use projects including licensing and contract execution. Since 2022, she has held the position of Managing Director of Subsoil Use at “Aurora Group”.
Madina Rashidovna is a key figure in the development of “Aurora Group”, making a significant contribution to the sustainable growth of the company and the industry as a whole.
Raziev Vitaliy Sergeyevich is the Head of the Transport and Logistics Department, an experienced specialist with over 15 years of experience in logistics and transport operations management.
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Vitaliy Sergeyevich makes a significant contribution to strengthening “Aurora Group” position in the transport and logistics sector, ensuring high efficiency and reliability.
Nurkhanuly Ulan is a highly qualified geologist with over 15 years of experience in Kazakhstan’s mining industry.
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Ulan Nurkhanuly significantly contributes to the development of “Aurora Group”, ensuring its success in geological exploration.
Aman Toktarov is a geophysics professional with over eight years of experience in ground and airborne geophysical exploration, international project management, and operational leadership. His professional background combines hands-on technical expertise with experience in managing complex geophysical projects and coordinating international teams.
Education
Professional Experience
Aman began his professional career at Aurora Geophysics in 2018 after graduating from Semey Geological Exploration College. He gained practical experience in ground geophysical surveys, field data acquisition, and field operations. Alongside his professional development, he continued his education and obtained his bachelor’s degree from D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University in 2022.
During his time at Aurora Geophysics, he developed a strong technical foundation, progressing from hands-on field responsibilities to project coordination and operational management.
In 2024, Aman joined Xcalibur Smart Mapping, an international airborne geophysical survey company, as Operations Manager. He was responsible for overseeing airborne geophysical operations in Kazakhstan and coordinating international teams, aviation operators, technical specialists, and clients.
His responsibilities covered project planning, mobilization, aviation logistics, regulatory approvals, contractor management, and the execution of airborne magnetic, electromagnetic, radiometric, and gravity surveys. This role further strengthened his expertise in international operations, cross-border collaboration, and multidisciplinary project management.
In October 2026, Aman returned to Aurora Geophysics as Deputy Director, bringing valuable international experience, technical expertise, and operational management capabilities.
Current Responsibilities
As Deputy Director, Aman focuses on strategic business development, operational efficiency, strengthening client partnerships, and expanding Aurora Geophysics’ presence in Kazakhstan and international markets.
His combination of technical expertise, practical field experience, and international project management supports the company’s continued growth and commitment to delivering high-quality geophysical exploration services.
Education
Graduated from Saint Petersburg State University with a degree in Geophysical Methods for Prospecting and Exploration of Mineral Deposits, qualifying as a geologist-geophysicist.
Key Expertise and Achievements
Professional Experience
Anton has extensive experience working with mineral exploration and engineering companies, contributing to the planning and execution of geophysical surveys and the interpretation of results for mineral exploration and engineering projects.
At Aurora Geophysics, Anton provides technical expertise in geophysical method selection, survey design, fieldwork planning, data interpretation, and mineral prospect evaluation.
Has extensive experience working with leading geological exploration and geophysical service companies, including Specialized Gravimetric Enterprise, GEOKEN Research and Production Center, Seismic Geophysical Services LLP, and First International Oil Corporation Limited.
Specializes in the processing and integrated interpretation of magnetic, gravity, electrical, and seismic survey data, as well as the development of 3D geological and geophysical models. At Aurora Geophysics, he is responsible for high-quality geophysical interpretation, preparation of graphical materials, and compilation of final project reports.
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Meruyert has extensive experience working with leading international companies, including Alsim Alarko, Todini Costruzioni Generali, STRABAG, Mott MacDonald, and YDA, contributing to major infrastructure and engineering projects in Kazakhstan. As Business Development Manager at Aurora Geophysics Ltd., she focuses on business growth, strategic partnerships, client relations, commercial development, supporting successful project delivery and strengthening the company’s market presence.
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Gaukhar began her legal career in 2021 at the Specialized Interdistrict Economic Court of the Karaganda Region, where she gained practical experience in economic disputes and court proceedings involving legal entities, including matters related to subsoil use and contractual relations.
Since 2023, Gaukhar has been working at Aurora, specializing in legal support for the Group’s activities in the areas of subsoil use, corporate law, and investment transactions.
Gaukhar is involved in the structuring and legal support of Aurora’s key transactions and mineral projects, ranging from the acquisition and transfer of rights and assets to investor relations, joint venture formation, and strategic partnerships.
Her responsibilities include supporting M&A and JV transactions, preparing and negotiating shareholder and investment agreements, share and equity purchase agreements, option agreements, and other commercial contracts, as well as providing legal support during due diligence processes.
A significant area of Gaukhar’s practice is the corporate administration of the Group’s companies within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). She manages company incorporations and re-registrations, changes in share capital and shareholder structures, the creation and issuance of different classes of shares, share reorganizations and redistributions, appointments and replacements of directors, company name and registered address changes, amendments to constitutional documents, and other corporate and registration procedures within the AIFC.
Gaukhar also advises on obtaining, renewing, and transferring licenses for the exploration of solid minerals, liaises with government authorities, and provides legal support to projects at various stages of their development.
Through her work, Gaukhar contributes to the advancement of Aurora Group’s mineral projects by providing comprehensive legal support and protecting the Group’s interests, from corporate structuring and securing subsoil rights to the execution of investment transactions, fundraising initiatives, and the development of international partnerships.
Education:
▪ Anhui University of Technology (China) — Master of Economics, International Trade and Business.
▪ L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (Kazakhstan) — Bachelor of Arts, International Relations.
Key Achievements:
▪ Driving business and project development through deep knowledge of the Group’s operations, mineral projects and market environment.
▪ Managing end-to-end commercial processes, including client engagement, commercial proposals, negotiations and contract coordination.
▪ Supporting the development and positioning of Aurora’s mineral projects through investment materials, project presentations and strategic business communications.
▪ Coordinating the Group’s participation in international mining events, exhibitions, and strategic industry initiatives.
▪ Developing relationships with international mining companies, investors and strategic partners across Kazakhstan and international markets.
Kamilla contributes to the development of Aurora Group’s business and mineral projects through commercial expertise, international business knowledge and a deep understanding of the Group’s operations and strategic priorities.
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