Sustainable Development
Principles of responsible operations
Safety, human capital and corporate responsibility
Volkovgeology JSC approaches sustainable development through occupational and industrial safety, environmental protection, business ethics and the continuous development of its employees.
Key areas
- Occupational and industrial safety
- Radiation safety and environmental protection
- Human capital and business ethics
ESG approach
Environment, social responsibility and governance
ESG is an approach to assessing a company’s sustainability and responsibility across three areas. For Volkovgeology JSC these principles relate primarily to production safety, environmental protection, the development of human capital and responsible corporate governance.
Environmental
Environment
The impact of operations on the environment, rational use of resources and conservation of nature.
Social
Social responsibility
Occupational health and safety, employee development, social partnership and engagement with stakeholders.
Governance
Corporate governance
Transparency, business ethics, anti-corruption, risk management and respect for shareholder rights.
The Sustainable Development Policy has been prepared in line with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the sustainable development reference model for portfolio companies of Samruk-Kazyna JSC, the corporate policy of NAC Kazatomprom JSC and the Company’s development strategy, taking into account the GRI, SASB and TCFD standards and the ICMM principles.
Programme to 2030
Measurable sustainable development targets
The Sustainable Development Programme for 2025–2030 was approved by the Board of Directors on 27 December 2024 (Minutes No. 22 (z)). It translates the principles of the Policy into specific objectives for the environment, operational safety, people and corporate governance.
Open the programmeKey results by 2030
- −11%greenhouse gas emissions, Scopes 1 and 2, against the 2023 level
- 0fatal accidents at work; the LTIFR rate driven towards zero
- 8%staff turnover
- 65%level of social stability
- 22%women on the Company’s governing bodies
- 50 / 91%local content in procurement of goods and of works and services
Governing framework
Policies and documents
This section contains the Company’s documents covering key areas of safety and corporate responsibility.
Principal priority
Human capital
People are Volkovgeology JSC’s primary asset. The Company’s HR principles are aimed at increasing employee engagement and supporting sustainable development.
The HR policy is based on the corporate values of the NAC Kazatomprom group. Core HR processes support open and transparent relations, social partnership and high labour efficiency.
Corporate values
- Safety
- Responsibility
- Professionalism
- Development
- Teamwork
Social partnership
Corporate culture and social matters
The Company pays particular attention to social stability and a favourable working environment. Measures to regulate labour relations, develop internal communications and strengthen corporate culture are implemented on an ongoing basis.
Social stability monitoring
Monthly and quarterly surveys are used to assess employee satisfaction and identify areas requiring attention. The results and employee proposals inform measures to improve HR processes and workplace conditions.
Workforce capability
Employee learning and development
The Company provides conditions for continuous learning and professional development.
Regular assessment
Performance and employees’ personal and corporate competencies are assessed.
Development planning
Individual employee development plans are prepared based on assessment results.
Professional development
Plans include training, online seminars, workshops and other learning activities.
Partnerships in professional education
Volkovgeology JSC works with Satbayev University and the Semey Geological Exploration College on industrial placements, professional training and improvements in education quality.
Sustainable development · society
Social projects
The Company’s hydrogeological expertise also serves its host region, Sozak District of Turkistan Region.
Drinking water for villages in Sozak District
Prospecting and appraisal of groundwater for the drinking water supply of the villages of Karatau, Karakur, Baba-Ata and Kyzylkanat.
Current status of hydrogeological work
KarakurWells: 2
Pumping tests completed
→ Ready for further development
KyzylkolWells: 1
Pumping tests completed
→ Ready for further development
KaratauWells: 2
One well completed, the second redrilled
→ Drilling of one well pending
Baba-AtaWells: 2
One well completed, the second redrilled
→ Drilling of one well under way
KyzylkanatWells: 1
The first well was dry
→ Drilling under way
Zhasyl Aigene: greening the shift camp
PlannedSozak District has an arid climate and high dust levels. Irrigation and tree planting will create a lasting green zone around the Aigene shift camp, protect it from wind erosion and improve living conditions.
- Drilling two hydrogeological wells for irrigation
- Pumping tests to determine a sustainable yield
- Design documentation, basin inspectorate approval and a special water use permit
Hydrogeological services →