Addressing the participants of the ceremony, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described the construction of a copper smelter as one of the most important projects that will give fresh impetus to Kazakhstan’s economic development.
“In my State of the Nation Address last year, I highlighted the immense strategic importance of the mining and metallurgical sector for our country and set a number of specific objectives for its development. The construction of a new plant is the result of the active efforts undertaken in this direction. As is well known, Kazakhstan is developing dynamically today, having entered an era of historic progress. Thanks to the unity and creative energy of our people, we are successfully implementing large-scale reforms. Most importantly, we have adopted a Constitution that will serve as a guide on our path towards a bright future for the state. The Basic Law has become a true embodiment of our nation’s enduring values and principles. Improving the well-being of our people has been established as one of the fundamental principles of state policy. In accordance with the Constitution, natural resources beneath the earth belong to the people. Therefore, industrial projects of this kind must, first and foremost, serve the interests of our country,” the President emphasized.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan with its vast mineral reserves must make effective use of these natural resources. The country has more than 9,500 mineral deposits, approximately 160 million tons of ore are mined annually, and about 3.5 million tons of copper concentrate are produced.
“Overall, Kazakhstan’s manufacturing industry is demonstrating significant growth. Last year, the sector’s output reached 60 billion US dollars. Over the past three years, 540 industrial projects have been implemented across all regions of the country, creating approximately 50,000 permanent jobs. Today, we are embarking on another major industrial project. This important event will provide additional momentum for the development of our economy. The new plant will have a capacity of 300,000 tons of cathode copper per year, fully meeting domestic market demand. Once the plant becomes operational, Kazakhstan will rank among the world’s top ten producers of high-quality refined copper. In addition, the facility will produce gold and sulfuric acid. The implementation of this large-scale project will make a substantial contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s metallurgical industry,” the Head of State said.
The President set a number of important tasks for the company’s shareholders.
“It is essential to meet all the legitimate social needs of workers. This is the very essence of the ‘Responsive State’ concept. The Government and local authorities must maintain close ties with workforces and actively pursue their efforts in line with the ‘Law and Order’ concept,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted.
The Head of State called for particular attention to be paid to the widespread adoption of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in the industrial sector.
“The application of advanced solutions helps boost productivity, improve occupational safety and effectively prevent workplace injuries. At the recently held AI & Digital Bridge forum, I set a number of specific tasks for the Government. It is important to take these into account during the construction of the plant. Ensuring high construction quality and adhering to the established deadlines are absolute priorities. I express my sincere gratitude to all Kazakhstan’s specialists, as well as our Chinese partners, who are actively involved in implementing this unique project. I am confident that the Aktogay Copper Smelter will make a significant contribution to strengthening Kazakhstan’s industrial capacity,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev concluded.
The President then officially launched the construction of the new facility.
The videoconference ceremony also featured remarks by Akim of the Abai Region Akim Berik Uali, KAZ Minerals Group Supervisory Board Chair Oleg Novachuk, and China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group Chairman Wen Gang.
The facility will feature a complete production cycle, from ore mining and processing to the manufacture of finished metal. The complex will process its own copper concentrate, ensuring a stable raw material supply and increasing the added value of products manufactured in Kazakhstan.
The project is being implemented by KAZ Minerals Group, with China’s NFC serving as the engineering partner. Total investment amounts to approximately 1.8 billion dollars, and more than 1,000 new jobs will be created.
The first copper cathode is scheduled to be produced in 2030. In addition to copper, the plant will produce metallic gold, silver and other associated products.
