Канат Шарлапаев, министр промышленности и строительства Казахстана, высказался по поводу опасений относительно приобретения Qarmet (ранее известной как “ArcelorMittal Temirtau”, AMT), заявив, что государственные средства не использовались для покупки акций Qarmet. Шарлапаев подчеркнул, что приобретение было финансировано исключительно частными инвестициями, отвергая спекуляции о государственном участии. Он подчеркнул коммерческий характер сделки, подчеркивая значимость Qarmet как крупного работодателя с ежегодным доходом более 2 миллиардов долларов. Министр защитил подход к финансированию, назвав его стандартной практикой бизнеса, направленной на улучшение операций и экологических условий в Темиртау.
Month: March 2024
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Minister Clarifies Funding Source for Qarmet Acquisition Amidst Speculation
Kanat Sharlapaev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Industry and Construction, has addressed concerns regarding the acquisition of Qarmet (formerly known as “ArcelorMittal Temirtau,” AMT), stating that government funds were not utilized for purchasing Qarmet shares. Sharlapaev emphasized that the acquisition was financed entirely through private investments, dismissing speculations of state involvement. He underscored the commercial nature of the transaction, highlighting Qarmet’s significance as a major employer with an annual revenue exceeding $2 billion. The minister defended the financing approach, citing it as a standard business practice aimed at enhancing operations and environmental conditions in Temirtau.
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UK Government Faces $1 Billion Damages Claim from Mining Company Supported by Sanctioned Russian Banks
The UK government finds itself embroiled in a significant legal battle as ENRC, the UK-based arm of a global mining conglomerate, pursues a staggering $1 billion damages claim. Backed by Russian banks under international sanctions, ENRC alleges losses resulting from a decade-long Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation that was terminated last year. The SFO, seeking to appeal against a ruling that deemed its investigation as wrongful, faces the daunting prospect of defending against this extraordinary claim, which surpasses its annual budget tenfold and poses a significant setback for the agency.
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Central Asia Metals Releases Full-Year Results for 2023, Despite Economic Challenges
Central Asia Metals Limited (CAML), a London-based mining company with operations in Kazakhstan and North Macedonia, disclosed its full-year results for 2023, ending on December 31st, earlier this week on March 25th. Despite facing global economic headwinds, CAML continued its investment initiatives, particularly focusing on the development of its mining projects in North Macedonia and Kazakhstan. Nigel Robinson, CAML’s CEO, highlighted the company’s commitment to enhancing operations at the Sasa and Kounrad mines, including the transition to paste fill mining at Sasa and the completion of a solar power project at Kounrad. Despite challenges posed by a sluggish global economy and declining metal prices, CAML managed to meet its production targets, emphasizing its low-cost operations and robust financial position.
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President of Uzbekistan Reviews Copper Mining and Processing Project in Collaboration with China
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan visited the site of a copper mining and processing project in cooperation with China, located in the Chust district of the Namangan region, on March 25. Geologic exploration is expected to commence as early as April. A representative of the company, Li Fang Yuan, stated that China Mining Energy Group, established in 2003 with assets totaling $32 billion and a workforce of 40,000 across 17 countries, engages in gold, copper, and aluminum mining.
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Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Strengthens Global Collaboration for Responsible Critical Minerals Investment
During the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada annual convention (PDAC) in Toronto on Sunday, March 3, the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) convened its principals’ meeting. Chaired by Jose W. Fernandez, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, the meeting centered on responsible investment in critical minerals. The MSP, committed to enhancing critical mineral supply chains, aims to foster collaboration with governments and industries, emphasizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. With the inclusion of Estonia as its newest partner, MSP announced the establishment of the MSP Forum to further engage in policy dialogue, project development, and supply chain resilience. Noteworthy advancements include the authorization of a senior debt facility for EcoGraf’s Epanko Graphite Project in Tanzania and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Gecamines and JOGMEC, signaling a milestone in mineral exploration and cooperation.
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Казахстанские месторождения сократили добычу каменного угля в феврале 2024 года
Согласно данным за второй месяц 2024 года, добыча каменного угля на казахстанских месторождениях сократилась до 9,083 миллионов тонн, что на 9,6% меньше, чем в аналогичном периоде прошлого года. На территории республики добывают различные виды угля, но каменный уголь составляет основную долю. Начало года характеризуется снижением показателей добычи этого виду угля на 11,3%.
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Coal Production Decline in Kazakhstan’s Deposits in February 2024
According to data from the second month of 2024, coal production in Kazakhstan’s deposits decreased to 9.083 million tons, marking a 9.6% decline compared to February of the previous year. While various types of coal are mined in the country, coal accounts for the majority. The beginning of the year has seen a decrease in coal production of this type by 11.3%.
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Добыча железной руды в Казахстане резко выросла в феврале 2024 года
Добыча железной руды в Казахстане существенно увеличилась во втором месяце текущего года, превысив отметку в 4,187 миллиона тонн, что на 37,5% больше, чем в феврале 2023 года, по данным Национального бюро статистики. Производство железной руды также заметно выросло, увеличившись на 44,8% за месяц. Однако по сравнению с январем 2024 года оно сократилось с 475,5 до 456,1 тысячи тонн. Положительная динамика также была замечена в производстве железорудных концентратов, достигнув 5,699 миллиона тонн в феврале, что на 15,9% и 12,3% больше, чем за тот же месяц прошлого года и за предыдущий месяц текущего года соответственно. Кроме того, казахстанские горно-обогатительные комбинаты продемонстрировали значительный рост производства неагломерированной железной руды, с обработкой 2,661 миллиона тонн в феврале, что на 44,9% больше, чем в предыдущем году. Производство железорудных окатышей также усилилось, достигнув 474,8 тысяч тонн, что на 38,8% больше по сравнению с 2023 годом, хотя не удалось обогнать показатели января текущего года, их снижение составило 2,2%. Ожидается, что добыча железной руды продемонстрирует заметный рост после начала работ на месторождении Ломоносовское в Костанайской области, запланированном на 2025 год.
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Kazakhstan’s Iron Ore Production Surges in February 2024
Kazakhstan’s iron ore extraction witnessed a significant surge in the second month of this year, with over 4.187 million tons extracted, marking a 37.5% increase compared to February 2023, according to data provided by the National Statistics Bureau. Production of iron ore agglomerate also experienced a notable uptick, growing by 44.8% for the month. However, in comparison to January 2024, it declined from 475.5 to 456.1 thousand tons. Positive dynamics were also observed in the production of iron ore concentrates, reaching 5.699 million tons in February, marking a 15.9% and 12.3% increase compared to the same month last year and the preceding month of this year, respectively. Additionally, Kazakh mining plants saw a significant rise in the production of non-agglomerated iron ore, with 2.661 million tons processed in February, a 44.9% surge compared to the previous year. The production of iron ore pellets also intensified, reaching 474.8 thousand tons, a 38.8% increase compared to 2023, albeit failing to surpass January’s figures, showing a 2.2% decline. Anticipation is high for a noticeable increase in iron ore extraction following the commencement of operations at the Lomonosovskoye deposit in the Kostanay region, slated for 2025.