HSE

In developing and operating such a technically complex field, safety and environmental protection are critical success factors.  Our recent performance has helped both Karachaganak and the Republic of Kazakhstan to be recognised amongst the leaders in oil and gas health, safety and environmental protection.

Safety remains at the core of everything we do and Karachaganak challenges us everyday on this front.   At an operational level we experience extreme temperature swings, which pose significant personnel and asset integrity issues.  The high H2S product, combined with high pressure injection, also poses its own set of operational safety challenges.

While safety is a key focus area, we also aim to develop and market hydrocarbons from Karachaganak in an environmentally sound manner.  Enhancing hydrocarbon utilisation, efficient use of water resources, the reduction of emissions and hazardous waste and eliminating spills and leaks are all key elements of Karachaganak’s environmental management programme. The reduction achieved in the volumes of gas to flare in the last six years testifies for the efforts made: from approximately 69 million cubic metres (m3) of gas flared in 2006 to some 14.2 million m3 in 2011.