Labor resources
HTS Exploration Ltd is known not only as one of the leading enterprises in the oil and gas sector of the Republic of Kazakhstan, whose industrial potential and capitalization have long-term increasing dynamics, but also as an enterprise with fairly convincing results of social relations.
The shareholders and management of our company pay great attention to the issues of caring for the workforce and promoting a mutually beneficial dialogue with the trade union committee. In order to ensure the optimal functioning of management schemes and the development of collective interaction, the following conditions are provided:
• all team members clearly understand the goals of teamwork;
• the abilities of each employee are known to the manager and colleagues of this employee;
• the organizational structure of the units (branches, departments) of the team corresponds to the tasks facing them;
• the team of HTS Exploration Ltd analyzes methods and work schemes and improves them;
• there is developed self-discipline, which allows for good use of time and resources;
• the team supports its members and creates close relationships;
• relationships in the team are open.
HTS Exploration Ltd has its own Personnel Development Concept – this is the philosophy, ideology, strategy and policy of the employer in the field of workforce development focused on the implementation of the corporate mission. The company pays considerable attention to the process of fulfilling the terms of the Collective Agreement, including in the field of motivation and stimulation of labor.
For our employees, involvement in the common cause is very valuable, because work in the company is a stable workplace, guaranteed wages, a high level of social benefits, it is an opportunity to gain new professional knowledge, achieve career growth, and realize their opportunities in trade union and public life a team of thousands. It is noted that it is precisely because of the company’s convincing success in supporting its own personnel that people seek employment at HTS Exploration Ltd. Having become part of a close-knit workforce, new employees with great diligence contribute to the cause of overall development and prosperity.
It is well known that the emerging negative phenomena of a macroeconomic nature require the adoption of strict anti-crisis measures that can effectively influence the optimization of financial indicators. But the shareholders and management of the Joint Stock Company consider it unacceptable to reduce the number of the company’s workforce and reduce the level of social guarantees. The Company has not made any personnel cuts and is not planning to do so; the length of the working day and the level of wages have not been reduced. The current implementation of natural schemes for optimizing the production structure does not lead to reductions. The company cannot allow the rights of the workforce to be infringed, because the most valuable asset of the oil and gas business is a Specialist with a capital S, be he a driller, electrician, accountant, geologist or any other profession. Maintaining labor guarantees for a team of many thousands directly affects social well-being in the Astana region: thousands of families directly or indirectly associated with the activities of the oil and gas giant should not experience temporary difficulties along the way.
Man, as the core of any production process, is the main guideline of our social policy. The primary focus is not only on investments, technologies, or equipment, but above all, on the Company’s employees. The management’s commitment to caring for each individual is a defining element of the internal corporate strategy. Genuine progress in production is impossible without progress in the social fabric of the organization. One of the fundamental principles guiding the development of HTS Exploration Ltd is continuous concern for its workforce.
Alongside effective investment activity in hydrocarbon production—leveraging world-class equipment, technologies, and innovations, achieving operational efficiency, and meeting all the obligations of existing Subsoil Use Contracts—the Company places strong emphasis on enhancing employee welfare. In all production and economic operations, occupational health and safety, industrial safety, and environmental protection are top priorities. The Company’s motto, “Harmony of Energy and Nature,” reflects its guiding philosophy. Every task is approached with the principle: “People are the most valuable, safety comes first, and neutralizing risks is key to strategy.” Accordingly, the Company takes extensive measures to ensure safe and healthy working and living conditions, enhance healthcare access, expand health insurance, and protect the environment. Preventive measures are regularly developed based on analysis of workplace conditions, injury causes, and patterns of occupational and general illness. Voluntary medical insurance is part of the Company’s comprehensive approach, with increased funding enabling the expansion of health coverage. Under the voluntary civil liability insurance agreement, employees are entitled to additional compensation in case of work-related incidents.
Recognizing the potential environmental risks of industrial activities, the Company executes all field operations in ways that minimize environmental impact and ensure ecological safety. A broad range of environmental initiatives is implemented regularly in areas associated with oil operations. A major focus in this area is the complete utilization of associated gas. The Company has taken significant steps toward this goal through major infrastructure projects. Among them is the construction of the third Zhanazhol gas processing plant, a key part of national industrial development programs. Another critical achievement was the commissioning of a strategic section of the Zhanazhol–KS13 gas pipeline, enabling commercial gas delivery into the Bukhara-Ural system and transforming regional gas logistics. These and other industrial facilities have played a pivotal role in the successful gas utilization program spanning the Zhanazhol, Kenkiyak, and Severnaya Truva fields.
It is equally important to acknowledge achievements in developing comfortable and modern living conditions for rotation workers. The rotational camp at the Zhanazhol field has evolved into a well-equipped infrastructure complex providing high living standards for field personnel. The camp’s quality and functionality reflect the broader corporate culture cultivated by the Company. A second rotational camp, Ashchisai, similarly demonstrates the Company’s commitment to cultural and daily support for operational staff.
To improve personnel transport safety and ensure comfort regardless of weather, rotational workers are now transported by rail via a dedicated section of the Zhem–Zhanazhol railway, constructed by the Company. Another major initiative includes the provision of free meals for employees, further improving daily working conditions.
The Company also operates the Neftyanik Sanatorium and Health Complex, a long-standing facility on the Company’s balance sheet. During the summer season, the children’s camp accommodates hundreds of children, while in the winter months, the recreation center serves as a favored holiday destination for oil workers and residents of Astana. Camp vouchers are subsidized, requiring parents to pay only a small portion of the total cost. The Neftyanik children’s camp has twice received awards from the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan for excellence in organizing youth summer recreation.
In light of the Company’s comprehensive care for its workforce, there is no tolerance for violations of corporate ethics, labor discipline, or misappropriation of company property.
To stay aligned with industry needs, the Company regularly conducts advanced training for managers and production specialists, covering the latest global technologies in oil extraction and raw material processing. This training takes place both within Kazakhstan and internationally at leading academic and technical institutions. Key focus areas include advanced production techniques, enhanced oil recovery methods, cost reduction in production and drilling, capital investment analysis, and other relevant topics.
Employee training is carried out across five main areas:
– Advanced training for managers, specialists, and employees;
– Cross-training, retraining, and certification of workers for secondary skills;
– Industrial safety, occupational health, and environmental protection;
– Training programs for young specialists;
– Language education.
Educational institutions provide training aimed at enhancing job-specific knowledge, preparing for new functions, improving safety awareness, and promoting environmental responsibility.
Throughout the development of the Astana project, HTS Exploration Ltd has prioritized organizing overseas training for Kazakh employees—particularly with academic institutions in China. This exchange has become a cornerstone of the Company’s international cooperation model. Cross-border training improves Kazakhstan’s global competitiveness and fosters a more resilient workforce. Over time, more than 1,200 Company specialists have completed advanced programs at prominent Chinese oil and gas universities, including those in Beijing and Qingdao (Huadong). These universities are globally recognized for producing highly qualified professionals and offering world-class education. The Company’s partnerships with these institutions include lectures, lab sessions, and hands-on technical training in fully equipped facilities.
For technical roles involving the latest equipment, specialized internships were organized at foreign partner sites or directly at manufacturing plants. A significant number of workers receive training in key professional roles such as Oil and Gas Production Operator, Oilfield Equipment Fitter, Well Testing Operator, Compressor Unit Operator, Process Installation Operator, and Workover Driller, among others.
The Company places strong emphasis on developing young talent. Practical internships are arranged for students from Astana Polytechnic College, Astana Technical College, Astana College of Oil and Gas, China Petroleum University, and several other national institutions. Each student is mentored by experienced employees. Promising graduates of schools, gymnasiums, and colleges are selected for further study in domestic and international universities.