Kazakhstan is set to accelerate development of its metallurgical sector, with seven new metallurgical enterprises scheduled to begin operations in 2026, according to the Ministry of Industry.
The total investment in the first phase of projects is estimated at KZT 154 billion. By the end of the year, the country expects to commission new production facilities manufacturing ferrosilicon, longitudinal welded and galvanised pipes, as well as reinforcing steel products of various diameters. The projects are expected to create more than 1,100 jobs across several regions.
A further seven metallurgical plants are planned for launch within the following two years, supported by investments exceeding KZT 2 trillion. These facilities will focus on the production of ferroalloys, profile and strip steel, steel billets, large-diameter pipes and industrial wire products.
The Ministry projects that expansion in the ferrous metallurgy sector will generate approximately 3,500 additional jobs between 2027 and 2028, including around 1,200 positions in rural areas.
In parallel, another 16 industrial projects are currently at the design and approval stage. Planned developments include production of high-purity manganese, hot-briquetted and sponge iron, premium-grade steel, grinding balls and other materials required by Kazakhstan’s mining and metallurgical complex.
Potential investment in these longer-term initiatives could reach KZT 2.8 trillion and is expected to create up to 5,500 additional jobs nationwide.
Despite strong investment momentum, early-year production indicators in the sector showed mixed performance. Steel output declined by 5.7 percent to 339,500 tonnes, while rolled steel production increased by 11.1 percent to 292,400 tonnes, reflecting shifting demand dynamics within domestic and export markets.
