President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid a working visit to the Karagandy Region, where he reviewed the modernisation of the region’s industrial sector. The Head of State viewed the upgraded transport infrastructure in Temirtau. Two years ago, Qarmet restored the tram network, replacing 30 kilometres of tracks and purchasing eight modern trams. The President noted the city’s active development and emphasised the need to continue efforts for urban improvement.
«I understand that mood of the workforce has improved considerably. What matters most is that there are positive trends. We will certainly make the plant a symbol of progress, success and, I would even say, prosperity,» Tokayev said.
The President then inspected Qarmet’s basic oxygen furnace shop, a key part of the company’s steelmaking operations. The Head of State was shown how molten iron from a blast furnace is converted into steel before being transferred to continuous casting machines. In 2024, Qarmet carried out major overhauls of two converters at the facility, installing modern equipment. The modernisation will allow the company to expand its product range, increase steel output and improve equipment reliability. By the end of this year, Qarmet plans to produce four million tonnes of steel, 3.6 million tonnes of coal concentrate and nearly four million tonnes of iron ore concentrate.
The Head of State was also briefed on the construction of two new coke oven batteries. Each will comprise 54 ovens, with chambers approximately eight metres high. Commissioning the new facilities will ensure a more reliable supply of in-house coke, help maintain product quality, and enhance environmental safety. The batteries are scheduled to come on stream next year.
President Tokayev visited Qarmet’s long products rolling mill. The new facility will produce high-strength reinforcing steel for construction. The project, with an annual production capacity of more than 540,000 tonnes, is being implemented in partnership with China’s CERI. Qarmet’s overall investment programme is worth $3.5 billion. Four new projects are currently underway at the steelworks, alongside a large-scale modernisation programme.
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