Kazakhstan to double copper production by 2027-2030

ALMATY. June 2 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan plans to build two copper smelters and produce more than 1 million tonnes of copper annually in the next few years, Industry and Infrastructure Development Minister Marat Karabayev said.

"Starting from 2027, we are planning to develop new copper deposits and ramp up copper industry capacity by building two new copper smelters. As a result, we set a target to increase copper production to over a million tonnes of copper annually by 2027, or 2030 at the latest. Kazakhstan aims to become the fourth top global producer of copper," Karabayev said at the Astana Mining & Metals 2023 congress on Friday.

Karabayev said that Kazakhstan annually produces about 120,000-130,000 tonnes of lead, 260,000 tonnes of aluminum and 450,000 tonnes of copper.

"Certainly, our main priority now is to set up production with higher added value. We invite foreign companies to invest in the manufacturing of finished products from the available raw materials. We are ready to provide financing through our Industrial Development Fund, but we seek technology transfer. We are ready to co-finance with our own funds, but in exchange for the transfer of the best technologies," the minister said.