The first stage of geological exploration work has been completed at one of KAZ Minerals' licensed areas – comprehensive aerogeophysical surveys aimed at identifying promising areas for further detailed study of the subsoil.

The work was carried out by Xcalibur Kazakhstan, part of the international Xcalibur Smart Mapping group, which has 16 offices and projects on six continents, including a regional office for Central Asia in Astana. The company's Kazakhstani team is involved in the implementation of aerogeophysical projects in various regions of the world, including Angola, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Bhutan, which ensures the transfer of international technological and operational expertise to local projects. This approach allows proven methodologies and standards used in leading global geological exploration programs to be applied in Kazakhstan.

The research program included electromagnetic, magnetic, and gamma-ray spectrometric surveying. The HeliTEM helicopter system with a base frequency of 6.25 Hz was used to carry out the work, providing a survey depth of up to 600 meters while maintaining high data quality.

The survey was conducted in a remote area. There are no settlements, engineering infrastructure, water or electricity supplies within a 200-kilometer radius. To ensure the work could be carried out on site, a fully autonomous field camp was set up with its own power and water supply systems.

The total area of the aerogeophysical survey exceeded 1,000 square kilometers. Thanks to the high efficiency of the helicopter operations, the field phase was completed in a short time frame—within two weeks.

The project is now moving into the next phase, which includes processing the data obtained and comprehensive geological and geophysical interpretation. A distinctive feature of the project is the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning methods for predictive analysis and improving the accuracy of interpretation of results. As part of the project, artificial intelligence technologies are used to analyze large arrays of geophysical, geochemical, and satellite data. This approach allows for the identification of patterns and relationships that are difficult or impossible to detect using traditional interpretation methods, including areas of potential mineralization, deep faults, and hidden geological structures.

Such projects, implemented at the level of individual licensed areas, are important not only for specific subsoil users. They form a modern geological and geophysical database that reduces geological uncertainty, improves the quality of investment decisions, and, on a broader scale, contributes to the growth of the investment attractiveness of territories. It is through such applied projects – from local sites to the regional and national levels – that airborne geophysics is becoming one of the key tools for attracting investment in geological exploration.

The aerogeophysical surveys conducted on KAZ Minerals' sites reflect the general vector of transformation in the geological exploration industry – the transition from fragmented and selective work to a systematic, technologically verified approach. Modern aerogeophysical data allows us to form a comprehensive picture of the geological structure of territories, identify deep structures and promising mineralisation zones at early stages of exploration, thereby reducing risks for investors and subsoil users.

At the same time, the state policy confirms the importance of modernizing the aerogeophysical base in Kazakhstan. In his address, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted that the existing aerogeophysical base needs to be updated and modernized, and the creation of modern digital maps of mineral resources should be based on international expertise, new digital tools, and artificial intelligence. This emphasizes that the transition to modern aerogeophysical technologies is not only a commercial necessity, but also part of a strategic national policy to increase the investment attractiveness of subsoil use.

In a number of countries around the world, such approaches have formed the basis of national geological and aerogeophysical mapping programs, the results of which are used as a basic tool for attracting private investment in geological exploration. Such programs generate open, comparable, and up-to-date geological information necessary for large international companies to make investment decisions.

In Saudi Arabia, as part of the Vision 2030 government initiative, large-scale mapping of the territory has made it possible to create a modern geological database and has already attracted interest from companies such as ERG, Barrick, Ivanhoe Mines, and others. 

Aerogeophysical surveys are now considered one of the most effective and technologically advanced tools for primary geological exploration. Unlike ground-based methods, they provide a comprehensive picture of the geological structure of large areas, including remote and poorly studied regions, in a short period of time and without the need for large-scale intervention in the environment.

The use of aircraft and helicopter platforms provides continuous coverage of the area and high data density, which is critical for identifying deep structures, faults, and areas of potential mineralization. At the same time, airborne geophysics does not require physical access to each site and does not disturb the earth's surface, making it an environmentally safe and non-destructive method of exploring the subsurface.

The comprehensive nature of aerogeophysical work allows data to be obtained simultaneously on several physical parameters – magnetic, electromagnetic, radiometric, and gravitational. This approach significantly increases the informative value of research and allows for the optimization of subsequent stages of geological exploration, including detailed ground work and drilling, reducing costs and risks for subsoil users.

A phased approach—from aerogeophysics to detailed exploration—increases the likelihood of geological discoveries and ensures more efficient development of mineral resources.