Construction of the Aktogay Copper Smelter has begun in Kazakhstan. The facility will feature a full production cycle, from ore mining and processing to the manufacture of finished metal. Its annual capacity will reach 300,000 tonnes of cathode copper, fully meeting domestic market demand. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev officially launched the construction of the metallurgical plant via videoconference. Kazakhstan currently has more than 9,500 mineral deposits. The country produces 160 million tonnes of ore and around 3.5 million tonnes of copper concentrate annually.
«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 the country’s metallurgical industry. Overall, Kazakhstan’s manufacturing industry is demonstrating significant growth. Last year, the sector’s output reached $60 billion. Over the past three years, 540 industrial projects have been implemented across all regions of the country,» Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted.
Total investment amounts to approximately $1.8 billion. It is being implemented by KAZ Minerals Group, with China’s NFC. The complex is designed to increase the added value of products manufactured in Kazakhstan. The first copper cathode is scheduled to be produced in 2030. In addition to copper, the plant will produce metallic gold, silver and other products. The Head of State called for the use of new technologies and artificial intelligence both during the construction phase and in subsequent production operations.
«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 added.
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