SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP

2024 marks the 125^th anniversary of the start of industrial oil production in Kazakhstan – a milestone symbolizing not only the long and rich history of the domestic oil industry but also its invaluable contribution to the development of the country’s economy, infrastructure, and capital.

The history of Kazakhstan’s oil began in 1899 when the first industrial oil fountain was obtained at the Karashungul field, located in the Atyrau region. This event marked the birth of Kazakhstan’s oil industry, which later became one of the key sectors for the country. By the early 20^th century, fields such as Dossor (1911) and Makat (1913) were discovered and actively developed, earning the region the reputation of being the oil heart of Kazakhstan.

For more than a century, the industry has progressed from the first manual drilling rigs to high-tech production complexes. The Soviet period was marked by large-scale industrialization and geological exploration, which led to the discovery of major fields such as Zhetybay and Uzen, ushering in the era of Mangyshlak oil. With the attainment of independence, Kazakhstan entered a new era of oil development, opening the industry to international investments and implementing advanced technologies. Landmark projects such as the development of the Tengiz, Karachaganak, and Kashagan fields positioned the country among the leading oil-producing states.

KazMunayGas, as the national oil and gas company, occupies a central place in the modern history of the country’s oil industry. The company preserves the rich heritage of dozens of enterprises that played a key role in the formation of oil production in Kazakhstan, and today it continues this development by implementing strategic projects, modernizing infrastructure, introducing innovations, and fostering the growth of new competencies. KMG is the successor of traditions and a driver of sustainable change, shaping the future of the modern oil and gas industry.

125 years of oil is 125 years of selfless work by thousands of people: drillers, geologists, engineers, technologists, operators, ecologists, builders, energy specialists, mechanics, welders, drivers, IT specialists, logisticians, industrial safety experts, and many others. It is a story of achievements, overcoming challenges, and continuous movement forward. And today, as more than a century ago, oil remains a powerful driver of progress and a confident look toward the future.

In 2024, Ozenmunaigas JSC celebrated its 60^th anniversary – one of the largest oil production enterprises in Kazakhstan, playing a key role in the history of the development and formation of the national oil industry. The company’s history is closely linked with the development of the unique Uzen oil field and the establishment of the city of Zhanaozen, now an important industrial and social center in the Mangystau region.

Exploration work at the Uzen field began in 1959. In 1960, the first gas fountain was obtained, and shortly thereafter, on December 15, 1961, the first oil fountain was discovered. In 1964, industrial oil production began. These events marked the beginning of a new phase in the development of the oil industry in Mangyshlak.

On July 15, 1965, the first train carrying Uzen oil was sent to the Atyrau oil refinery. A few years later,
a large pipeline was constructed, connecting Uzen to Atyrau and Samara. In 1966, the first million tonnes of oil were extracted. In the 1970s, the field produced half of the total oil extracted in the republic, which ensured the strategic importance of the Uzen field for the entire economy of the Soviet Union.

In 1996, the oil production management was reorganized into Ozenmunaigas JSC. Since 2004, the company has been part of Exploration Production KazMunayGas JSC, and since 2012, it has operated as an independent production company within the structure of NC KazMunayGas JSC.

Over the six decades, Ozenmunaigas has not only increased its production capacity but also made significant contributions to the development of the region. The company actively participates in the construction of social infrastructure, supports education, healthcare, culture, and sports, creates jobs, and invests in the professional development of its employees. Special attention is paid to the modernization of production processes, the implementation of digital technologies, environmental protection, and industrial safety issues.

Today, Ozenmunaigas is home to more than 10,000 employees, a team of professionals united by shared values and a commitment to sustainable development.