Kazakhstan is taking steps to enhance its position in the global copper market by constructing a new copper smelter at the Aktogay mine, one of the largest copper mines in the world. This ambitious project, backed by a $1.8 billion investment from NFC, the engineering arm of China’s state metals group CNMC, aims to produce 300,000 tons of pure copper annually, alongside gold, silver, and sulfuric acid. The smelter is expected to commence operations by 2030, creating over 1,000 jobs in the region.
Historically, Kazakhstan has primarily exported copper concentrate to China, where it was processed into metal. However, with the establishment of this smelter, Kazakhstan plans to retain the value of its copper resources domestically. President Tokayev highlighted this initiative during the launch, referencing the new Constitution’s assertion that natural resources belong to the people. The government aims for the smelter to meet all domestic copper demand and propel Kazakhstan into the ranks of the world’s top ten refined copper producers.
In recent years, Kazakhstan has implemented policies to encourage local processing of its mineral resources, including a ban on the export of unrefined copper. In 2025, the country refined 471,000 tons of copper and mined 710,000 tons, placing it tenth in global copper production. Similar trends are observed in other copper-rich nations, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, which banned copper concentrate exports in June, and Indonesia, which has maintained a ban since 2025. Chile is also planning a new smelter to boost its processing capabilities.
The smelter project at Aktogay is a pivotal move for Kazakhstan, aligning with its strategic goals to enhance the value chain of its mining sector. By 2030, the country not only aims to be a leading copper miner but also a significant player in copper production, thereby increasing its economic resilience and creating job opportunities for its citizens. The shift towards local processing is expected to attract further investments and strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in the global mining industry.
