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On August 26, 2025, the founder of Aurora Group, Said Sultanov, delivered a keynote address at the Council of Domestic Entrepreneurs chaired by the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Abayevich Bektenov.
In his remarks, Said Sultanov raised several critical issues shaping the future of Kazakhstan’s mining and exploration industry:
Fair royalty regime. Aligning royalty rates with international benchmarks, such as Western Australia, will ensure transparency and predictability — the foundation for attracting long-term investment.
Support for geological service companies. Starting in 2026, new tax provisions will increase their burden. Transitioning to the 8% special regime would allow these companies to reinvest in technology, train personnel, and expand into export-oriented services.
Land access and rental payments. Rising costs and duplicating social obligations place unnecessary strain on explorers. Clear, targeted mechanisms would support local communities while restoring investor confidence.
New discoveries. Kazakhstan still relies on Soviet-era geological data. Sultanov proposed the launch of a nationwide airborne geophysical mapping program with open data access and AI-powered interpretation. This would stimulate new discoveries and attract more junior explorers — the true engine of global exploration success.
“Today, Kazakhstan must ensure a balance between the interests of the state, society, and business. Only in this way can we maintain investor confidence, attract new investment, and make the discoveries that will become the foundation of the country’s sustainable economic growth,” — emphasized Said Sultanov.
Aurora Group strongly believes that collaboration between government and business will help preserve Kazakhstan’s investment attractiveness and reinforce its position as one of the world’s leaders in mineral exploration and mining.