MINEX Forum

Tag: industrial projects

  • Kazakhstan to Launch 200 Industrial Projects in 2026 Targeting KZT 1.5 Trillion in Import Substitution

    Kazakhstan to Launch 200 Industrial Projects in 2026 Targeting KZT 1.5 Trillion in Import Substitution

    Kazakhstan plans to implement a pool of 200 investment projects this year aimed at generating import substitution worth 1.5 trillion tenge, according to statements made at a board meeting of the Ministry of Industry and Construction.

    The flagship projects include new production facilities for mineral fertilizers, specialised machinery and ferrosilicon in the Zhambyl, Pavlodar and Karaganda regions.

    Once all projects reach full capacity, total output is expected to amount to approximately 2.3 trillion tenge. Of this, around 0.5 trillion tenge is projected for export markets, while 1.5 trillion tenge will contribute directly to import substitution.

    First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar instructed the ministry to accelerate the launch of the National Industrial Information System and to present a new model for the development of special economic zones within one month. He also tasked officials with expanding geological exploration to 2.2 million square kilometres and updating plans related to rare metals development.

    Earlier, citing a forecast by MINEX Kazakhstan, analysts noted that the country’s mining and metallurgical complex in 2026 will operate under the simultaneous influence of rising global metals demand and tightening domestic regulatory and fiscal conditions. According to the review, the sector is entering a phase of deep structural transformation.

  • Uzbekistan and Germany Strengthen Cooperation on Critical Mineral Resources and Industrial Projects

    Uzbekistan and Germany Strengthen Cooperation on Critical Mineral Resources and Industrial Projects

    Uzbekistan and Germany have engaged in discussions to enhance collaboration on the development and deep processing of critical mineral resources, as well as the production and export of high value-added goods. This was a key topic during a meeting between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, held in Samarkand with representatives from leading companies and banks from both nations.

    The discussions involved prominent figures such as Michael Kellner, Germany’s Parliamentary State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, and Michael Harms, Managing Director of the Eastern Committee of German Industry. Major German companies like KNAUF, Siemens Energy, Linde Group, and Aurubis participated, along with financial institutions such as KfW Development Bank and AKA Bank.

    The meeting highlighted the successful outcomes of high-level negotiations, supporting Uzbekistan’s strategic priorities for economic transformation and sector modernization. Both sides agreed on measures to accelerate joint investment projects and trade agreements under a new Program for Industrial and Technological Partnership. Key sectors identified for collaboration include green energy, chemical industry, green hydrogen, machine engineering, textile industry, and pharmaceuticals.

    President Mirziyoyev and Chancellor Scholz emphasized the importance of continuing joint projects in sectors such as construction materials, metallurgy, energy, transportation infrastructure, and agriculture. Scholz’s official visit to Uzbekistan took place on September 15-16, further strengthening bilateral ties.

  • Kazakhstan Announces Major Industrial Projects to Boost Metal Production

    Kazakhstan Announces Major Industrial Projects to Boost Metal Production

    Kazakhstan is focusing on metal production with several new industrial projects, according to the Ministry of Industry and Construction. Minister Kanat Sharlapayev outlined the details of these initiatives.

    The first project is the Mineral Product International plant, which will produce 160,000 tons of ferrosilicon annually. Additionally, the plant will produce 300,000 tons of direct reduced iron and 1 million tons of steel each year. This metallurgical cluster is currently in the site preparation stage, with construction and installation work underway, including the foundation being laid.

    The second project involves the modernization of Qarmet. Under an agreement with an investor, $3.5 billion will be invested by 2028, including $1.3 billion in 2024. By 2030, the goal is to increase steel production to 5 million tons, coal to 9 million tons, and iron ore concentrate to 5 million tons. The modernization aims to reduce emissions by 20% and increase iron concentrate output. A technical audit of the facility began in March and is expected to conclude in July, with a comprehensive modernization plan to follow.

    The third project is the construction of a new copper smelting plant, which will produce 300,000 tons of refined copper annually. This project is included in the national industrialization roadmap and is currently undergoing a feasibility study.

    The fourth project is the construction of a hot briquetted iron production plant. This project will increase the production of iron ore raw materials from 9.9 million tons to 15.5 million tons per year, enhancing the processing of these materials with high added value. A retail gas supply agreement between the Sokolovsko-Sarbaiskoye Mining and Beneficiation Association and KazTransGas Aimak is in the final stages of signing.

    The fifth project is Polymetal’s plan to build a new autoclave facility in Kazakhstan. This hydrometallurgical plant will process gold-containing high-carbon sulfide concentrates, a task previously impossible in the country. Engineering, geological, and geodetic work is currently underway in the Pavlodar Special Economic Zone.

    As of April 2024, metal production in Kazakhstan has grown by 5.1%. By the end of the year, steel production is expected to reach 4 million tons, smooth rolled products 2.6 million tons, and pig iron 3 million tons.