Sokolovsko-Sarbai Mining and Processing Production Association (SSMPA), one of Kazakhstan’s largest iron ore producers, has shipped over 9mn tons of commercial goods in the first 11 months of 2024, valued at over KZT 371bn ($709.3mn). These products have been exported to key markets, including Russia and China.
During a working visit to Kostanay region, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, toured the city of Rudnyi, where he assessed the development of the ferrous metallurgy industry at SSGPO and reviewed the readiness for the upcoming heating season at the Rudnyi CHPP.
At SSGPO, Bektenov was briefed on the company’s current achievements and future plans. The enterprise boasts an annual production capacity of 35mn tons of ore, 9mn tons of concentrates, and 8mn tons of pellets. ERG’s plans include the construction of a hot briquetted iron (HBI) plant with a production capacity of 2mn tons per year and an investment exceeding KZT 500bn ($955.9mn). This project, which will create 1,100 new jobs, is set to be completed by 2028. The Prime Minister emphasized that the HBI plant will strengthen Kazakhstan's metallurgy sector and its global competitiveness.
A significant infrastructure project has also been approved to build a gas pipeline from Aktobe to Kostanay to ensure a stable gas supply for the new plant. The Ministry of Energy and the regional Akimat have been tasked with facilitating the project's implementation.
Bektenov also visited the Rudnenskaya CHPP, where director Vasily Novoselov updated him on modernization efforts at the plant. Ahead of the winter season, repairs were completed on essential equipment, and a sufficient fuel and material reserve has been established. To minimize environmental impact, the plant is implementing an automated system to monitor emissions from chimneys, ensuring a prompt response to any operational changes.
Deputy Akim of the region, Berik Tanzharikov, reported that the region’s unified electric power system is functioning normally. With four thermal power plants and three boiler houses, the region has reduced the wear and tear on its heat supply networks from 57% to 45.7% in the past three years.
Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized the importance of ongoing modernization of public utility infrastructure to ensure the uninterrupted operation of key industrial facilities and reliable heating supply throughout the winter months.
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