Kazakh government, Shell discuss cooperation on Karachaganak, Kashagan and Zhanaturmys blockKazakh First Deputy Prime Minister Nurlybek Nalibayev met with Shell Senior Vice President and Country Chair for Kazakhstan Suzanne Coogan to discuss oil and gas cooperation, joint projects and expanded investment ties, the government press service said Saturday.The two sides noted progress in cooperation and implementation of earlier agreements.In March 2026, Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry and Shell signed a contract for geological exploration at the Zhanaturmys block in the Aktobe region, a project Nalibayev called significant and one being carried out under an improved model contract.Nalibayev and Coogan also discussed the Karachaganak and Kashagan projects, both of strategic importance to the country's energy sector, and stressed the need to maintain stable production and ensure continued development.On Thursday, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said planned maintenance at Karachaganak this year is not expected to significantly affect oil output.Shell holds stakes in several projects in Kazakhstan: the North Caspian production sharing agreement at 16.81%, the Karachaganak final production sharing agreement at 29.25%, and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium at 7.4%.Karachaganak is one of the world's largest oil and gas fields, with reserves estimated at 1.2 billion tonnes of oil and 1.35 trillion cubic meters of gas. The field is operated under a 40-year production sharing agreement signed in 1997 by the Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. consortium, which includes Shell (29.25%, held through affiliate BG Karachaganak Limited), Eni (29.25%), Chevron (18%), Lukoil (13.5%) and KazMunayGas (10%).Kashagan, one of the largest oil discoveries in recent decades, holds recoverable reserves estimated at 9 billion to 13 billion barrels of oil. Commercial production began in the fall of 2016.The Zhanaturmys block covers 1,377 square kilometers in one of Kazakhstan's most prospective oil and gas basins and offers significant potential for expanding geological exploration in the country. The work program includes 3D seismic surveys and the potential drilling of a deep exploration well, according to an Energy Ministry press release.The Zhanaturmys block covers 1,377 square kilometers in one of Kazakhstan's most promising hydrocarbon basins. The work program calls for 3D seismic surveys and the possible drilling of a deep exploration well, according to the Energy Ministry. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX