Kazakhstan, Astana, 12 June / Trend D.Mukhtarov /
A mining and metallurgical complex in Kazakhstan provides more than nine per cent of the GDP, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aset Isekeshev said in Astana on Wednesday.
"The Mining and Metallurgical Complex is one of the key sectors in Kazakhstan. It accounts for more than nine per cent of the GDP and about 18 per cent of the total industrial production and almost a quarter of exports," Isekeshev said speaking at the opening of the IV Astana Mining & Metallurgy (AMM-2013) International Mining and Metallurgical Forum in Astana.
He recalled that in 2010, the Ministry developed a plan for the development of mining and metallurgical complex of Kazakhstan for 2010-2014.
"Over these years, Kazakhstan has achieved a two-fold increase in the production of primary aluminium, begun production of titanium ingots at Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium-Magnesium Plant, increased production of copper cathodes within the New Metallurgy project of the Kazzinc Company, gold production at Altyntau Kokshetau and production of copper concentrate at the Aktobe Copper Company, Isekeshev said.
According to him, the level of internal processing of aluminium rose to 20,000 tons, of steel to 300,000 tons.
He also said the steel production volume over 2012 amounted to nearly $12.9 billion at current prices, including the steel industry - $4.7 billion and non-ferrous metallurgy - $8.2 billion.
Today, the mining and metallurgical complex in Kazakhstan employs over 300,000.
"As part of the on-going state programme of forced industrial and innovative development, it is planned to launch an additional 20 new businesses and create more than 10,000 new high quality jobs," Isekeshev said.
The AMM Forum annually brings together the world's political, business, financial and scientific leaders from the mining and metallurgical industry for the development of mutually beneficial partnerships and introduction of innovation and attraction of investment.
According to preliminary data, the forum gathered about 700 delegates from all over Kazakhstan and neighbouring countries as well as those from member countries, ambassadors and representatives of trade missions accredited in Kazakhstan are attending.
The first Kazakhstan conference on scraps of non-ferrous metals as well as similar round tables will be held within the two days of the forum. The concept of AMM provides coverage of all matters relating to the full cycle of production processes from exploration, mining and processing to the manufacturing of finished products.