China’s East Hope Group plots 1mt/year Kazakhstan aluminium facility

Chinese conglomerate East Hope Group plans to build a 1mt/year aluminium facility in Kazakhstan.

The company met with Kazakhstan Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov this week to discuss the proposal.

The plan includes construction of an alumina refinery with capacity of 2 million tonnes per year and a smelter capable of producing 1 million tonnes of aluminium per year.

The industrial park for non-ferrous metals production would be created on circular economy principles, the Kazakhstan government said.

Electricity generation will be carried out using renewable energy sources. The project would lead to the creation of 10,000 jobs it added.

Mr Bektenov said: “The creation of a vertically integrated aluminum production facility in Kazakhstan is a unique project that will ensure comprehensive development of this industry within the national industrial structure.
“The Government of Kazakhstan is ready for long-term cooperation.”

East Hope Chairman, Liu Yongxin, said Kazakhstan had a geographical advantage and development potential.

He said Kazakhstan’s rich mineral resources and the ongoing industrial modernisation strategy align with the company’s global priorities in green aluminum and renewable energy.

An agreement had been signed in February between the two organisations to investigate the proposal.

Following the meeting, relevant sectoral ministries were instructed to provide the necessary support for the project’s implementation.

It was also noted that the company would assume specific obligations, including the training of local personnel and a phased increase in the proportion of Kazakhstani workers.

Source: www.aluminiumtoday.com