In this note, the Aurora Minerals Group team would like to talk about a basic tool for working in the field of subsoil use in the Republic of Kazakhstan - the Interactive Map of the Committee for Geology and Subsoil Use. Most people are familiar with it, but we aim to highlight its basic functionality to all those interested: from students of specialized universities to investors and investment companies.
In the modern world innovative principles of work with digital information are applied in the sphere of subsoil use not only in the form of mining and geological information systems and databases developed for specialists. Already since 2000s a number of countries develop and pilot implementation of web-technologies aimed for use by a wide range of people, including management personnel and owners of companies interested in investments in subsoil use. There is a growing demand for an open information policy whereby any interested investor or expert can make an initial assessment of areas of interest before they are licensed without any investment in the first stage.
In the Republic of Kazakhstan, since 2014, the Geology Committee has been working on digitizing geological information and making it publicly available. The interactive map is available at the link:
https://gis.geology.gov.kz/geo/
There is also a pilot project available:
https://gis.geology.gov.kz/maps/izy
Which is characterized by extended functionality, and contains information about the study of objects with direct links to the historical reports in the electronic catalog of the geological fund.
The main data on which the subsoil user can rely include:
Objects at the mine stage separately by type of minerals:
The State Subsurface Management Program (hereinafter referred to as SSMP) includes areas for exploration of solid minerals (hereinafter referred to as SLM) - that is, areas that can be obtained for prospecting and exploration on a declarative basis; areas for mining - areas with reserves listed on the state balance sheet, available for obtaining through an auction, etc.
It is important to keep in mind the specially protected natural areas of the Republic of Kazakhstan (SPNA), where you cannot carry out exploration work. Their scheme can also be connected on the interactive map.
Geological map (mostly first-generation small-scale maps), map of minerals, quaternary deposits, and transport infrastructure are also publicly available.
The interactive map allows you to draw your own contours of areas of interest directly in the web interface with the ability to export and import coordinates.
It is necessary to note the system of identification of blocks, the scheme of which is a pluggable layer on the interactive map. Each block is approximately 2 sq. km, has a unique name, subject to generally accepted topographic nomenclature, and is the basic unit for obtaining and accounting for areas for exploration.
Probably the most demanded function of the interactive map for specialists is the possibility of downloading to a computer or online (downloading to a computer is available only in the pilot project of the interactive map). It is possible to download layers with attribute tables in MS Excel format, and in the format of shape-files adapted for the most widespread geoinformation systems:
The entire interactive map, right down to the information drop-down boxes, makes it possible to connect Google Translate and share data with foreign colleagues. The translation may not be perfect, but it is sufficient for understanding:
The Aurora Minerals Group team supports a policy of maximum transparency and thanks the Geology Committee for their work. We always welcome the opportunity to receive and share information that positively impacts the development of the mining industry. Our team is available for meetings and discussions on all matters of service, advice and investment.
Thank you for reading the article!
AMG Chief Geologist
Nikolay Bozhko
