Kazakhstan advances digital geology with AI-powered subsurface map

Kazakhstan has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) interactive subsurface map. Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev announced the initiative during a Government meeting, highlighting ongoing efforts to modernise access to geological information, as reported by Kazinform, a partner of TV BRICS.

According to the minister, large-scale digitisation of archival geological data is nearing completion. To date, more than 97 per cent of primary geological records – equivalent to approximately 250 terabytes – have been scanned and converted into electronic format, forming a comprehensive digital foundation for further analysis.

To accelerate this process and improve accuracy, a dedicated AI-based system has been developed. The platform automatically processes archival materials, generates geological models, and integrates digitised data into a unified big data environment, with 1 terabyte already uploaded. The technology identifies coordinates and extracts key insights, reducing processing time and supporting informed decision-making.

"Based on the processed data, an interactive mineral map has been developed. The system helps users filter and analyze information in a convenient format, as well as quickly identify promising areas," noted Yersayin Nagaspayev. For instance, selecting "copper" allows the AI to identify promising zones across the map.

Additional functionality provides detailed geological cross-sections and expanded data for individual sites, ensuring rapid access to critical information. According to the source, the initiative aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader Digital Qazaqstan nationwide digitalisation strategy, which includes the introduction of AI solutions in other sectors.