On October 20, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev launched the construction of the Aktokegan copper smelting project via a video link. The event was attended by Wen Gang, chairman of China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group.
The presidential administration stated that the project represents a key initiative for advancing Kazakhstan’s mining, metallurgical, and manufacturing sectors. Chinese enterprises have pledged to employ advanced technologies, adhere to scheduled timelines, and prioritize industrial safety and environmental protection. Construction is expected to generate employment opportunities and support local workforce training and technical collaboration.
According to a statement cited by Kazakh media Tengrinews from the presidential administration, the plant is designed with an annual capacity of 300,000 tons of cathode copper, with plans to produce gold and sulfuric acid as byproducts. The project will establish an integrated value chain—from copper ore exploration and beneficiation to final metal production—enhancing domestic processing depth of Kazakhstan’s copper resources. The figure of 300,000 tons refers to design capacity, not actual annual output.
Copper is a critical raw material for electrical equipment, industrial manufacturing, and energy transition. For Kazakhstan, expanding local smelting and refining capabilities offers potential to increase the value-added component of its mineral resources. For Chinese companies, the project’s financial viability will depend on timely completion, cost control, and whether local energy, environmental, and logistics conditions meet operational requirements.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879624622332039/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.