Shared Challenges Joint Solutions

Climate and ESG Risk Management

KMG’s Approach to Managing ESG and Climate Risks

The Company manages ESG and climate-related risks within the framework of the Corporate Risk Management System (hereinafter — CRMS), which operates on a consolidated basis. Climate-related and other ESG risks are integrated into the Company’s overall risk management system and are considered alongside production, financial, strategic, and operational risks.

Climate risk management is carried out in accordance with the provisions of KMG’s Low-Carbon Development Program until 2060, approved by the Board of Directors in 2024, as well as with the requirements of the national environmental and climate legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Climate risks at KMG are identified in the Risk Register as material risks, including:

  • physical climate risks;
  • energy transition and carbon-regulation risks;
  • risks associated with greenhouse gas emissions, methane, and flaring;
  • reputational and financial implications of climate-related factors.
KMG production infrastructure

Corporate Management of Climate and ESG Risks

Responsibility for managing ESG and climate risks is allocated within the existing corporate governance model of KMG:

  • Board of Directors provides general oversight of the risk management system, approves key strategic documents, including LCDP-2060, and reviews information on material risks.
  • Management Board ensures the implementation and functioning of the Corporate Risk Management System and oversees the execution of activities related to climate and ESG risk management.
  • Risk Owners and Functional Units are responsible for identifying, assessing, monitoring, and implementing measures to manage risks within their areas of competence.
KMG employees at a production facility

KMG’s CRMS operates based on the following principles:

  • regular updating of the Risk Register;
  • assignment of risk owners;
  • monitoring of key risk indicators (KRIs);
  • reporting at the corporate level.

KMG’s risk management system is an integral part of corporate governance and is aimed at ensuring business resilience and the achievement of strategic and operational objectives. The system covers all management levels and applies to KMG, including its subsidiaries and affiliates, ensuring a unified approach to identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating risks on a consolidated basis.

Risk management processes are implemented in accordance with international practices and principles, including the “three lines of defense” model, which provides for a clear distribution of roles and responsibilities among operational units. This structure enhances the transparency of processes, ensures the timely identification of risks, and strengthens the effectiveness of the internal control system.

KMG’s “Three Lines of Defense” Model for Managing Climate and ESG Risks

Line Coverage Roles and Responsibilities
Operational Management
(First Line)
Managers and employees of KMG business units and subsidiaries who make decisions within operational, production, and investment activities
  • Identification and preliminary assessment of climate and ESG risks, including physical and transition risks
  • Integration of climate-related factors into operational activities, project planning, and investment planning
  • Implementation of risk-management measures at the asset and business-process level
  • Monitoring of key risk indicators within the respective areas of responsibility
Risk Management and Internal Control Function
(Second Line)
Specialized functions of the corporate center that provide methodological support, coordination, and monitoring of the risk management system at the Company level
  • Development and updating of regulatory documents on risk management, including climate-related and ESG risks
  • Consolidation and analysis of information on climate risks at the KMG Group level
  • Assessment of the potential financial and operational impacts of climate risks
  • Preparation of reporting and analytical materials for the Management Board and the Board of Directors
Internal Audit
(Third Line)
The Internal Audit function of KMG, which provides an independent assessment of risk management and internal control processes
  • Independent assessment of the effectiveness of the risk management system, including climate-related and ESG risks
  • Review of the adequacy of risk identification, assessment, and monitoring processes
  • Evaluation of the effectiveness of measures for managing climate risks
  • Providing the Board of Directors with independent assurance regarding the reliability of the risk management system

This model ensures the integration of climate-related and ESG risk management into business decision-making processes, enhances transparency and accountability, and supports the timely identification and effective management of risks that may have a significant impact on KMG’s strategy, financial performance, and overall resilience.

Risk management issues, including climate-related risks, are regularly reviewed by the Management Board and the Risk Committee, while monitoring results are submitted to the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.

Sustainable development and the management of ESG factors are integrated into KMG’s Development Strategy for 2022-2031 and are regarded as key elements of the Company’s long-term resilience and competitiveness.

Processes for Identifying and Assessing Climate Risks

The identification of climate-related and ESG risks is carried out within the framework of the Company’s regular risk management processes, including:

  • annual updating of the Risk Register;
  • quarterly monitoring of material risks;
  • analysis of realized risk events.

Physical Climate Risks

As part of LCDP-2060, KMG conducted an assessment of physical climate risks using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (hereinafter — IPCC) scenarios (RCP 2.6, 4.5, 8.5). The analysis covers:

  • increases and decreases in temperatures;
  • droughts and water scarcity;
  • extreme weather events (floods, storms, high winds);
  • long-term climate changes affecting asset resilience.

The results of the assessment are used to develop asset-level adaptation measures but are not integrated as a standalone formalized assessment tool within the Corporate Sustainability Management System.

KMG production facility

Transition Climate Risks

Transition risks are assessed with consideration of:

  • tightening environmental and climate regulations;
  • changes in the emissions trading system;
  • potential increases in costs associated with emissions and energy;
  • shifts in product demand and technological requirements.

Under LCDP-2060, NGFS scenarios were used to assess potential impacts of the energy transition; however, these scenarios are applied for analytical and strategic purposes and are not used as a mandatory element of the corporate risk assessment process.

KMG facility in the context of climate risk management

Management, Monitoring, and Response Measures

Climate-related and ESG risk management includes:

Integration into Planning Processes

Climate factors are considered when developing strategic and investment decisions, including planning measures to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

Risk and Indicator Monitoring

As part of the Corporate Risk Management System (CRMS), key risk indicators reflecting environmentally and climate-significant factors are used, including:

  • emissions and flaring indicators;
  • incidents and environmental accidents;
  • fines and financial consequences related to environmental violations.

Implementation of Measures

Key measures for managing climate-related and ESG risks include:

  • energy efficiency improvement programs;
  • development of renewable energy sources (RES) and reduction of carbon intensity;
  • methane emissions management programs (LDAR);
  • CCUS pilot projects and offset initiatives;
  • adaptation of infrastructure to physical climate risks.

Reporting and Transparency

KMG ensures the disclosure of information on climate risks and related actions through:

  • annual reporting on the implementation of LCDP-2060;
  • corporate ESG reporting;
  • participation in international voluntary disclosure initiatives.

KMG’s risk profile during the reporting year was shaped by significant external influences, including macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility, regulatory and sanction-related constraints, as well as increasing environmental and social requirements. These factors underscore the growing importance of proactive risk management and the adaptation of business processes to the conditions of the low-carbon transition.

During the reporting year, the Company updated the consolidated Risk Register and enhanced the regulatory framework for risk management, including the approval of:

  • The Risk Management System Policy for KMG and its subsidiaries and affiliates;
  • The Instruction on organizing the risk management process, including procedures for identification and assessment for KMG subsidiaries and affiliates.

Additionally, the monitoring of sanctions-related and regulatory risks was strengthened, and a pilot project on the automation of key risk indicators was launched.

The key climate-related and ESG risks, along with the corresponding management measures, are presented in the table below.

Climate and ESG Risks

Climate Risks and Low-Carbon Development

Risk Description Risk Mitigation Measures
Environmental Aspect

Climate risks for KMG are associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy and with the physical impacts of climate change.

These include:

  • Transition risks – tightening regulatory requirements, technological changes, market and reputational risks.
  • Physical climate risks – extreme weather events (floods, droughts) and chronic climate changes (water stress, rising temperatures).

Potential Impact

Climate risks may lead to increased operational and capital expenditures (quotas, fines, compliance), suspension of operations in case of violations, reduced profitability of certain assets, reputational risks, and impacts on ESG ratings and access to capital.

Climate-related opportunities may influence demand for the Company’s products and the long-term resilience of the business.

KMG is actively working to reduce climate risks, including:

  • Continues the implementation of LCDP until 2060, carrying out regular monitoring of the implementation of action plans of subsidiaries and affiliates.
  • Keeps records of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, participates in the OGMP 2.0 initiative, conducts regular instrumental, aerial, and satellite measurements of methane emissions, develops the LDAR system, trains personnel, and implements the corporate standard for methane emissions management.
  • Low-carbon projects and technologies. Projects in the field of renewable energy sources (including the launch of an SPP as part of the hybrid project), CCUS (with a transition to the consideration of small-scale pilot solutions), sustainable aviation fuel (SAF – transition to the FEED stage), as well as the development of hydrogen energy (green, blue, and natural hydrogen, including pilot projects) are being implemented and worked out.
  • Partnerships and international cooperation: Agreements and memorandums have been signed with international and regional partners in the field of decarbonization, methane management, and sustainable initiatives.
  • Capacity building and knowledge exchange: Training events, practical workshops, and technical sessions with the participation of international experts (IFC, OGCI, IMEO, INPEX, etc.) are conducted for employees of the corporate center and subsidiaries and affiliates.

KMG continues to improve adaptation measures to climate change, reducing the impact of climate risks on the Company’s operations.

Risk of Negative Environmental Impact

Risk Description Risk Mitigation Measures
Environmental Aspect

KMG is exposed to the risk of negative environmental impact, including emissions of pollutants into the air, water and soil contamination, as well as increasing environmental regulatory requirements.

Noncompliance with environmental standards may lead to stricter sanctions, additional financial costs, and damage to the Company’s reputation.

Potential Impact

The realization of environmental risk may lead to fines, excess payments, environmental remediation costs, and legal liability. Furthermore, a decline in environmental performance may negatively impact investment attractiveness and the long-term sustainability of the business.

To minimize environmental impact, KMG implements a comprehensive set of actions:

  • Implementation and development of automated emission monitoring systems with online data transmission to state authorities and the use of unified emission calculation methodologies.
  • Implementation of measures to reduce pollutant emissions, including reducing the volumes of raw gas flaring and participation in international initiatives (Zero Routine Flaring).
  • Improvement of the water resources and waste management system, including the development and implementation of corporate standards and programs in subsidiaries and affiliates.
  • Carrying out work on the disposal of “historical” oil waste and the remediation of oil-contaminated lands.
  • Conducting environmental audits and monitoring followed by the implementation of corrective actions.
  • Application of best available techniques (BAT), obtaining integrated environmental permits, and participation in the development of industry BAT reference documents.
  • Preventive management of regulatory environmental risks through interaction with government authorities and industry associations.
  • Enhancement of environmental risk management through regular meetings, training of subsidiaries and affiliates, and engagement of stakeholders.

KMG continues to improve environmental protection measures, ensuring compliance with environmental requirements and reducing the impact of its operations on the environment.

Risk of Oil Spills During Offshore Operations

Risk Description Risk Mitigation Measures
Environmental Aspect

Oil spills may occur due to violations of technological procedures, pipeline accidents, equipment failures, and challenging natural conditions in the Caspian Sea. Risk factors include shallow waters, high reservoir pressure at the fields, the presence of hydrogen sulfide, and seasonal freezing of the surface.

Potential Impact

Oil spills can cause severe environmental damage, halt production processes, and result in significant financial costs for response and compensation efforts.

To minimize the risk of oil spills during offshore operations, KMG implements a set of preventive measures, including:

  • Continuous monitoring of technological processes and the condition of equipment.
  • Scheduled preventive maintenance of pipelines and equipment.
  • Personnel training and oil spill response drills.
  • Effective functioning of the North Caspian Environmental Response Base.
  • Monitoring of abandoned wells.
  • Participation in working groups on accident prevention.

Based on the results of 2025, no cases of oil spills during offshore operations were recorded. Considering the absence of incidents and the preservation of process controllability, the risk of oil spills in 2025 is assessed as stable, without deterioration compared to 2024.

KMG continues to improve its oil spill prevention and response system, reducing potential environmental and financial risks.

Equipment inspection at a KMG production facility
KMG offshore operations

Risk of Industrial Accidents and Technogenic Disasters at Production Facilities

Risk Description Risk Mitigation Measures
Environmental Aspect

KMG’s production activities involve a high level of hazard, creating the risk of accidents, explosions, fires, and other industrial disasters. Potential causes include equipment wear and tear, violations of technological processes, human error, and adverse external factors.

Potential Impact

Accidents at production facilities may lead to injuries and fatalities of employees, destruction of equipment and infrastructure, significant financial recovery costs, and environmental damage.

To prevent accidents, KMG implements a comprehensive set of measures:

  • Preventive actions during well drilling operations.
  • Regular maintenance and diagnostics of equipment.
  • Industrial safety assessments and identification of potential hazards.
  • Ensuring compliance with optimal technological operating modes of equipment, as well as regular certification and expert inspection of technical devices at hazardous production facilities.
  • Briefings and training of personnel on the safe operation of equipment, industrial and fire safety, including the issuance of permits and qualification certificates.
  • Monitoring the implementation of industrial safety enhancement measures.
  • Property insurance contracts to cover potential damages.

KMG continues to improve its systems for preventing and responding to technogenic risks, ensuring robust protection of personnel, equipment, and the environment.

Inspection of a KMG production facility
KMG production site
Security system at a KMG facility
Safety meeting

Compliance Risks

Risk Description Risk Mitigation Measures
Corporate Governance

Compliance risks are associated with potential instances of corruption, violations of legislation, and internal regulatory documents, which may result in financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences. Ensuring transparency in business processes and adherence to ethical standards is a key priority for KMG.

Potential Impact

  • Financial losses and fines.
  • Erosion of trust from investors and partners.
  • Legal liability for the Company and its employees.
  • Reputational risks affecting the sustainable development of the business.

KMG implements a range of measures to prevent compliance risks:

  • Conducting internal analysis of corruption risks followed by the development of corrective actions.
  • Regular anti-corruption monitoring and compliance audits.
  • Updating and implementing internal compliance policies and action plans on anti-corruption.
  • Promoting a corporate culture of integrity and ethics, including the “Compliance Ambassador” initiative.
  • Operation of the hotline and response to identified violations and conflicts of interest.
  • Organization of seminars, trainings, and explanatory work on the anti-corruption policy, including working with insiders and informing about closed periods.

KMG continues to improve its compliance control system, ensuring transparency of business processes and minimizing the risk of legal violations.

Continuous Improvement of the System

KMG’s system for managing ESG and climate risks is subject to regular review and updating, taking into account:

  • changes in the external environment and regulation;
  • results of monitoring and realized risks;
  • accumulated practical experience in implementing LCDP 2060.

KMG considers the management of climate and ESG risks as an element of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the business, while the goals and tools for their management are adjusted as the regulatory framework, technologies, and corporate priorities evolve.

ESG Rating

MSCI Assessment

According to the assessment of the international financial company MSCI, KMG maintained an ESG rating of “BBB” in the reporting year, which corresponds to an average level within the industry. This reflects balanced management of environmental, social, and governance risks.

According to the MSCI methodology, a “BBB” rating reflects the Company’s moderate exposure to material ESG risks and its ability to manage them at a level comparable to industry peers.

MSCI ESG Ratings BBB

Environmental Component (E)

In the environmental pillar, MSCI notes KMG’s strong performance on biodiversity and land use, where the Company demonstrates efforts to reduce its negative environmental impact and implement land reclamation activities for disturbed areas.

In the area of climate change and carbon emissions management, MSCI notes the integration of climate aspects into the Company’s development strategy and risk management system. KMG’s practices in the field of energy efficiency, the use of cleaner energy sources, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are assessed at an average level, while MSCI classifies KMG’s emission reduction targets as moderate.

At the same time, MSCI indicates high exposure to risks related to pollutant emissions and waste, due to the specifics of the Company’s operations. The further development and formation of a comprehensive program to reduce pollutants with established targets and a formalized management system is viewed as an additional opportunity to strengthen the Company’s performance in this area.

Social Component (S)

In the social sphere, KMG demonstrates an average level of indicators compared to international industry peers. In the area of engagement with local communities, MSCI notes a high share of the Company’s operations that may potentially affect ecosystems and living conditions of the population, as well as the need for further development of a systematic approach to assessing and managing social risks.

At the same time, the Company demonstrates relatively strong performance on the key issue of occupational health and industrial safety. In the “Health and Safety” category, KMG’s performance in 2025 reflects a well-developed occupational health and safety management system and compliance with industry standards.

Corporate Governance (G)

In terms of corporate governance, MSCI notes the presence of an independent majority on the Board of Directors, which contributes to effective oversight of the Company’s activities. At the same time, MSCI identifies areas for improvement, including issues of gender diversity in the composition of the Board of Directors, remuneration disclosure, and risk management in the area of business ethics.

Corporate governance and compliance

International financial company MSCI (New York, USA)

MSCI Inc. is an American financial services company that provides global equity, bond, and real estate indexes, ESG and climate products, and portfolio analytics. MSCI Inc. assists investors worldwide in making informed investment decisions by providing data and analytical tools for assessing risks and opportunities across various asset classes.

MSCI Assessment Methodology

The MSCI ESG Rating represents an industry-comparable assessment of companies’ management of material environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities. The assessment is conducted taking into account factors that may impact the sustainability of financial performance, reputation, and value creation of a company. Ratings are assigned on a seven-point scale ranging from AAA (highest level of ESG risk management) to CCC (lowest level), with the analysis focused on peer comparison within the same industry and taking into account financially material ESG factors.

For reference

The ESG Rating constitutes an evaluation of a company’s environmental, social, and corporate governance risks. It represents a strategic instrument leveraged by investors in the investment decision-making process, enabling the identification of a company’s risks and opportunities with a view to determining its long-term sustainability and resilience.