On May 2, 2025, Nazarbayev University was honored to welcome Mr. Bolat Akchulakov, Chairman of the KAZENERGY Association. As part of the program, Mr. Akchulakov toured the School of Mining and Geosciences (SMG), accompanied by Dean Randy Hazlett and Associate Professor Milovan Fustic.
The delegation visited several of SMG’s state-of-the-art laboratories and discussed the utility of recent high-impact scientific observations and discoveries conducted by the School of Mining and Geosciences research teams and students.
A key highlight was a laboratory demonstration by Associate Professor Milovan Fustic and Assistant Professor George Mathews, supported by students Nazira Kuzhamratova and Aruzhan Duisen. Professor Fustic presented SMG team’s groundbreaking research on converting anthropogenic CO₂ into solid minerals like nesquehonite and siderite using rock samples from various regions of Kazakhstan, CO2 adsorption in coals and organic-rich strata, and geothermal play concepts. This promising work could help position Kazakhstan as a global leader in carbon decarbonization.
During the visit, the team presented Mr. Akchulakov with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image and a 3D-printed model of the mineral crystal produced through this CO₂ conversion process. The visit emphasized the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration between geosciences, petroleum engineering, and mining engineering at SMG.
We thank Mr. Akchulakov and the KAZENERGY Association for their visit, interest, and advice.
The delegation visited several of SMG’s state-of-the-art laboratories and discussed the utility of recent high-impact scientific observations and discoveries conducted by the School of Mining and Geosciences research teams and students.
A key highlight was a laboratory demonstration by Associate Professor Milovan Fustic and Assistant Professor George Mathews, supported by students Nazira Kuzhamratova and Aruzhan Duisen. Professor Fustic presented SMG team’s groundbreaking research on converting anthropogenic CO₂ into solid minerals like nesquehonite and siderite using rock samples from various regions of Kazakhstan, CO2 adsorption in coals and organic-rich strata, and geothermal play concepts. This promising work could help position Kazakhstan as a global leader in carbon decarbonization.
During the visit, the team presented Mr. Akchulakov with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image and a 3D-printed model of the mineral crystal produced through this CO₂ conversion process. The visit emphasized the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration between geosciences, petroleum engineering, and mining engineering at SMG.
We thank Mr. Akchulakov and the KAZENERGY Association for their visit, interest, and advice.