Kazakhstan's metallurgical industry saw a 4.3% production increase in the first quarter of 2024, Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapayev said during a government hour in the Mazhilis, according to a Kazinform correspondent. The information was reported by infohub.kz.
According to the ministry, by year-end growth is expected from increased output by steelmaking enterprises (JSC Qarmet, LLP KSP Steel, LLP Shymkent Temir, LLP Ferrum Vtor, LLP Kazferrostal, LLP Forever Flourishing (Middle Asia) Pty LTD) to 4 million tonnes (from 3.923 million), flat-rolled steel to 2.55 million tonnes (from 2.456 million), and pig iron production at Qarmet to 2.95 million tonnes (from 2.865 million).
Copper output growth (from 419,000 to 452,000 tonnes) will be driven by Kazzinc LLP (114.2%, from 42,000 to 48,000 tonnes), Kazakhmys Corporation (114%, from 214,000 to 244,000 tonnes), and the KazMinerals Group (100%, 121,000 tonnes). Zinc (101%, from 280,000 to 285,000 tonnes) and lead (101%, from 95,000 to 97,000 tonnes) increases will come from Kazzinc LLP, while aluminum will rise 1% at JSC KEZ (from 261,000 to 265,000 tonnes).
"In the medium term until 2029, we plan to double copper production from 450,000 to 1 million tonnes by implementing a new copper smelter project in the Abai region," Sharlapayev said.
He added that the project would allow processing of all exported copper concentrate.
Steel production will rise to 10 million tonnes through the expansion of Qarmet LLP and new special-purpose steel projects (Kazakhstal) with a capacity of 1.2 million tonnes.
Additionally, ERG and BAOWU Steel plan to launch deep processing of iron ore raw materials in Rudny. Production of hot-briquetted iron will ensure a 100% raw material base for steelmaking enterprises.