Kazakh Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapaev, in an interview with the American television channel CNBC, shared his views on the growing role of Kazakhstan in the European supply chain of critical raw materials and discussed the successful completion of the deal with ArcelorMittal, Tengrinews.kz reports .
Sharlapaev emphasized the importance of Kazakhstan in the European market.
“In terms of critical materials and some rare earth elements, Kazakhstan occupies a significant place on the world stage as a leading producer. Our country plays a key role in the production of copper, recognized as an important element in the global economic space. In addition, Kazakhstan is actively involved in the mining of elements such as beryllium , thallium and neodymium, as well as titanium, which are already supplied to the markets of the European Union,” said Kanat Sharlapaev.
According to him, of the 34 critical materials listed by the European Commission, Kazakhstan is already successfully producing 18.
The minister was also asked about the recent successful deal with ArcelorMittal.
“It was successfully completed on the basis of mutual agreement of the parties. ArcelorMittal decided to sell its Kazakh division in favor of the state, however, it is worth emphasizing that the company will continue to operate. This is a unique steel manufacturer for Central Asia with the potential to produce up to 4 million tons of metal products per year,” he noted.
Sharlapaev stressed that the government has a significant interest in maintaining the enterprise, seeking to improve its performance in the areas of safety and environmental sustainability.
In addition, the minister stated that Kazakhstan intends to strengthen its position in the European market and create favorable conditions for socially and environmentally responsible investors.
