В целях борьбы с загрязнением экологии в Восточно-Казахстанской области разработан ряд природоохранных мероприятий, которые предполагают модернизацию установок по очистке сернистого газа на Усть-Каменогорском металлургическом комплексе. Эти мероприятия приведут к значительному снижению выбросов серы, что позволит сократить загрязнение воздуха на 10-20%. В частности, будет построен новый цех на Риддерском металлургическом комплексе, что даст возможность снизить выбросы серы еще на 714 тонн в 2024 году. Эти шаги являются частью более широкого плана по улучшению экологической ситуации в регионе.
Website: Kazakhstan.com
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«ВостокУгольПром» модернизирует угольные операции на Каражыре
Компания «ВостокУгольПром», специализирующаяся на оптовой торговле углем, внедряет инновации на угольном месторождении Каражыра. Планируется установка автомобильных весов на 100 тонн и линии фасовки угля в мешки. Этот проект обусловлен растущим спросом на фасованную продукцию и направлен на минимизацию производственных потерь. Общественные слушания по инициативе состоятся 15 января в селе Кокентау Абайской области.
На промышленной площадке компании размещены фабрика сухого обогащения FGX-24 и комплекс ДСОК-1000, способные перерабатывать миллионы тонн угля ежегодно. Новая линия фасовки позволит выпускать более 700 тысяч тонн угля в год, что повысит эффективность логистики. «ВостокУгольПром» арендует 21,4 тысячи гектаров у компании «Каражыра», среди акционеров которой числятся крупные казахстанские бизнесмены, включая Эдуарда Огая и Владимира Джуманбаева.
Этот шаг направлен на укрепление энергетической независимости страны и поддержку устойчивого использования угольных ресурсов.
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“VostokUgolProm” to Modernise Coal Operations at Karazhyra
“VostokUgolProm,” a key player in wholesale coal trade, will enhance its operations at the Karazhyra coal deposit with the installation of 100-ton truck scales and a coal bagging line. The project responds to rising demand for packaged coal and aims to minimize resource loss. The company operates a robust infrastructure, including the FGX-24 dry coal enrichment plant and sorting complexes capable of processing millions of tons annually. Public consultations for the initiative will occur on January 15 in Kokentau, Abay Region.
Karazhyra coal is widely used for household, industrial, and energy purposes. To meet diverse needs, over half of the extracted coal undergoes enrichment. The new bagging line is designed to produce over 700,000 tons of packaged coal annually, improving distribution efficiency. “VostokUgolProm” leases 21,400 hectares from “Karazhyra,” whose stakeholders include prominent Kazakh business figures such as Eduard Ogay and Vladimir Dzumanbayev, collectively holding significant shares in the coal market.
The project’s alignment with modern industrial needs reflects broader economic trends, with “VostokUgolProm” playing a crucial role in ensuring energy security and sustainable coal utilization.
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Lydian Armenia Secures All Permits for Amulsar Mine Operation
Lydian Armenia has obtained all the necessary permissions to operate the Amulsar gold mine. This was announced by Armenia’s Minister of Environment, Akop Simidyan, during a press conference on January 10. Simidyan highlighted that the company possesses all required environmental impact assessments, including those conducted twice, and sees no legal obstacles to commencing operations.
The construction of the Amulsar gold mine had been blocked by environmental activists since late 2018. In March 2022, Armenia’s then Minister of Economy, Vahan Kerobyan, mentioned that work on the mine could resume, referencing the ministry’s action plan that included resolving the “Amulsar issue.”
In February 2023, the Armenian government, Lydian Armenia, and the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) signed a memorandum of understanding to restart the Amulsar project. The agreement involved securing $150 million, with $100 million in credit from the EDB and $50 million from a local bank, and an additional $100 million from the company’s shareholders. These funds are intended to complete the construction and purchase necessary equipment. As part of the deal, the Armenian government received 12.5% of Lydian Armenia’s shares without payment, in exchange for managing certain risks.
Despite this, over 130 public organizations and residents of Jermuk, a town near the mine, protested against its potential operation in early 2024. They argued that the government’s acceptance of the 12.5% shares ignored democratic values and local community rights.
Recently, Armenia’s new Minister of Economy, Gevorg Papoyan, stated in November 2024 that the mine’s operation might start in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending the securing of $250 million, with $100 million already found by the company and the remaining $150 million to be raised from local banks. However, the EDB has suspended its financing for unknown reasons.
The total cost of the Amulsar project is approximately $400 million, with an expected operation period of 10.5 years and an annual gold production of around 200,000 ounces. The mine, located 13 kilometers from the resort town of Jermuk, is the second-largest gold deposit in Armenia, containing about 73,733 kilograms of gold and 294,367 tons of silver.
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80 лет первой казахстанской стали
В 2024 году Казахстан отметил 80-летие со дня выпуска первой стали, что стало символом стойкости и индустриального роста. В годы Великой Отечественной войны в Темиртау был построен Казахский металлургический завод, ставший основой экономики страны. Юбилей отметили встречами ветеранов, культурными мероприятиями и выставками.
Работы художников, таких как Турсын Абуов и Петр Антоненко, увековечивают труд металлургов. Картины передают атмосферу производства и мужество рабочих, создававших стальную мощь страны.
АО «Кармэт» продолжает традиции, став крупнейшей сталелитейной компанией страны. После перехода активов от ArcelorMittal в 2023 году компания модернизирует мощности и реализует социальные проекты, такие как восстановление трамвайной системы Темиртау. Сегодня здесь трудятся 35 тысяч человек, а продукция экспортируется в 40 стран.
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Celebrating 80 Years of Kazakhstan’s First Steel Production
In 2024, Kazakhstan marked the 80th anniversary of its first steel production—a milestone that symbolized resilience and industrial growth. The Kazakh Metallurgical Plant in Temirtau, commissioned during WWII, became a cornerstone of economic development. This achievement was commemorated with events involving metallurgical veterans, youth, and cultural programs.
Artworks by prominent Kazakh artists capture the essence of the industry. Paintings like Turysyn Abuov’s “Renowned Steelworkers of Temirtau” showcase the grit and passion of metallurgists, while P. Antonyenko’s portraits immortalize their legacy.
Qarmet, Kazakhstan’s largest steel company, continues this tradition of innovation, aiming for record production by 2028 and investing in modernization efforts. The company’s acquisition by Andrey Lavrentyev in 2023 has sparked reforms, including community projects like restoring Temirtau’s tram system. Qarmet employs 35,000 people and exports to over 40 countries, embodying the enduring spirit of Kazakhstan’s metallurgical industry.
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АО «ТНК «Казхром» Признано Лучшим Социальным Партнёром Центральной Азии
АО «ТНК «Казхром», входящее в ERG, стало победителем международного конкурса «Лучший социальный партнёр» среди организаций Центральной Азии. Компания была отмечена за значимые достижения в социальном партнёрстве, включая защиту интересов сотрудников, создание безопасных условий труда и поддержку местных сообществ.
Генеральный директор Сергей Прокопьев подчеркнул, что награда символизирует долгосрочную приверженность принципам социальной ответственности. В 2024 году «Казхром» направил около 9 млрд тенге на соцподдержку, а также участвовал в строительстве и благоустройстве объектов в регионах присутствия.
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Kazchrome Recognized as Central Asia’s Best Social Partner
Kazchrome, a subsidiary of ERG, has been named the “Best Social Partner” in Central Asia by the Council of Trade Unions of Central Asia (CTSCA). This award reflects Kazchrome’s exemplary efforts in fostering social responsibility, workplace safety, and community development.
The award was announced during the CTSCA’s VI meeting in Dushanbe, with Kazchrome CEO Sergey Prokopiev receiving the honor. Prokopiev credited the recognition to the company’s dedication to creating favorable employee conditions and supporting regional communities. As a key employer, Kazchrome has been pivotal in advancing socio-economic development in its operational areas.
In 2024, Kazchrome allocated approximately 9 billion tenge for employee welfare programs, including professional development, corporate culture initiatives, and comprehensive social support. The company also invested significantly in community projects such as public space enhancements, cultural center construction, and procurement of healthcare and educational resources.
Kazchrome’s ongoing initiatives are part of a broader ERG effort to uphold sustainability and social responsibility principles, ensuring long-term growth and community well-being.
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Uzbekistan creates plan for handling spent nuclear fuel
Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev spoke about the preparation of a strategy for the development of nuclear energy in Uzbekistan. A comprehensive document has been developed regulating the handling of nuclear fuel, radioactive waste and the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, Trend writes.
An important feature of the project will be the use of local raw materials for fuel production, which will optimize the costs of operating the nuclear power plant. Comprehensive monitoring of environmental and geological parameters is carried out at the construction site in accordance with IAEA recommendations.
The first power unit is scheduled to be launched five years after construction begins, with the remaining units to be launched every six months. The project is designed to provide the country with year-round electricity, heat and desalinated water, helping to strengthen the economy.
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Central Asia Metals Confident About 2025 Despite Mixed 2024 Production Results
Central Asia Metals (CAML), the operator of the Kounrad copper recovery plant in Kazakhstan and the Sasa zinc-lead mine in North Macedonia, reported mixed production results for 2024 but remains optimistic for 2025.
Key highlights:
- Copper Production: Full-year output at Kounrad reached 13,439 tonnes, within guidance but slightly lower than 2023’s 13,816 tonnes.
- Zinc and Lead Production: At Sasa, zinc-in-concentrate production totaled 18,572 tonnes and lead-in-concentrate production 26,617 tonnes, both slightly below guidance and 2023 levels.
- Safety Record: Kounrad reported zero lost time injuries, while Sasa had two incidents.
- Strategic Progress: Significant advancements were made at Sasa, including near-completion of the dry stack tailings (DST) plant, transition to paste-fill mining, and the central decline project.
Financials and Outlook:
CAML ended 2024 with a strong cash position of $67.6 million. For 2025, the company targets:- Copper: 13,000–14,000 tonnes
- Zinc-in-concentrate: 19,000–21,000 tonnes
- Lead-in-concentrate: 27,000–29,000 tonnes
CEO Gavin Ferrar expressed confidence in achieving 2025 production guidance, citing experience gained during the 2024 transition to paste-fill mining and the anticipated operational launch of the DST plant in Q1 2025.