Kazakhstan set to see the launch of two new plants in 2014

Two new plants are set to be launched in Kazakhstan's southwestern and northern regions this year, helping the central Asian country achieve its aim of self-sufficiency in cement supply.

“The launch of new production facilities — Caspiycement in the Mangistau region (1Mta) and Kokshecement in the Akmola region (2Mta) — will allow to completely refuse from cement imports, increase cement export, and curb seasonal price increases for cement in the west and north of Kazakhstan,” a spokesperson for the Ministry of Innovation and New Technology of Kazakhstan told the Times of Central Asia.

According to the ministry, in the first 10 months of 2013, Kazakhstan produced 6.2Mt and imported 1.6Mt of cement. Domestic output accounted for 80 per cent of local requirements.

Italcementi is also modernising its ShymkentCement plant in southern Kazakhstan and last month held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 1.2Mta kiln line . Following the launch of the new line in mid-2015, the existing wet capacity will then be closed down. The cement milling capacity will remain unchanged at 1.28Mta.