China’s East Hope Group, one of the world’s largest aluminium producers, is planning a $12.6 billion investment in Kazakhstan covering the full aluminium production chain from bauxite mining through to primary aluminium output, according to the country’s Ministry of Industry and Construction.
Kazakhstan’s Industry and Construction Minister Yersaiyn Nagassayev held talks with East Hope Group Director for Strategic Investments Chen Lei to discuss the scope and implementation of the project. The company is currently conducting geological exploration across several licence blocks in the Aktobe and Kostanay regions as part of its preparatory work.
The investment programme encompasses the establishment of a complete aluminium value chain within Kazakhstan — an ambition that aligns directly with the government’s strategy to move beyond raw material extraction toward domestic industrial processing and value-added manufacturing. As part of the project, East Hope Group plans to construct a one-gigawatt coal-fired power plant in Kostanay Region to supply electricity to the aluminium complex, and is also considering additional renewable energy projects.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continuing project implementation and deepening investment cooperation at the conclusion of the meeting.
If realised, the $12.6 billion investment would represent one of the largest single foreign direct investment commitments in Kazakhstan’s industrial history, and would significantly expand the country’s position in global aluminium supply chains.
