Interview with Talgat Temirkhanov: Restoration of the Karaganda Metallurgical Plant

Watch the full interview with Talgat Temirkhanov below:

Last year, by order of the head of state, the joint-stock company "ArcelorMittal Temirtau" was transferred to a domestic investor. Talgat Temirkhanov, the official representative of the "Karmet" company, spoke about the current state of the plant and plans for the future.

“The Karaganda Metallurgical Plant is our heritage, once the largest enterprise in the industrial group of the Soviet Union. It provided not only the domestic market but also the external one.”

Talgat Temirkhanov noted that after the plant was transferred to a domestic investor, serious problems accumulated over the past 30 years were revealed. Stock reserves were depleted, threatening the uninterrupted operation of the plant. Only three out of eight mines were operational, and there were serious issues in the field of industrial safety and ecology.

“Over the past 30 years, a vacuum has formed that did not allow an objective assessment of the work of the foreign investor. Theft on a colossal scale paralyzed the plant, leading to more than six criminal cases.”

Despite the difficulties, significant successes were achieved in the first 100 days of work. The situation with the raw material base was promptly corrected, the volumes of tunneling work and the number of crews were increased, allowing the plant to gradually restore its positions.

The investment program includes improving ecology and industrial safety. In particular, the design of the gasification of the plant has begun, which will allow the transition to clean fuel and reduce emissions by 30% over 5-6 years.

“We plan to resume tram transport in Temirtau, develop related businesses around the plant, and train employees to restore the former glory of the Karaganda Metallurgical Plant.”

Talgat Temirkhanov emphasized the importance of transparency and openness in working with contractors, which will eliminate theft schemes and build long-term and mutually beneficial relationships.

Let's hope that the measures taken will allow Kazakhstan to regain its status as a leader in metallurgy in the CIS.