ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 27. On the course of a working visit to the Pavlodar region of Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov visited KAZ Minerals Bozshakol LLP and Kazakhstan Railway Car Manufacturing Company LLP to review the progress of the president's directives on industrial development, supporting domestic producers, and implementing digital solutions, Trend reports.
"At the open-pit copper mine site 'Bozshakol,' the Prime
Minister was briefed on the technological process. The enterprise
processes 30 million tons of ore annually. Last year, 105,000 tons
of copper were produced, and in addition, gold, silver, and zinc
concentrates are also produced here. The finished products are
exported to China, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and Belgium," said the
press service of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.
Bektenov was also briefed on the implementation of modern
technologies, including the development of artificial intelligence
systems across production sites. The plant uses full dispatching,
covering all stages from ore crushing to concentrate production.
Additionally, production process modeling systems and drones for 3D
quarry modeling are employed, significantly enhancing the precision
and efficiency of operations.
The Prime Minister also toured the production facilities of Kazakhstan's domestic manufacturer of universal freight hopper cars, covered wagons, and flat wagons. He reviewed the company’s plans to increase production in response to the growing demand for freight transport. Yerzhan Kuangan, CEO of SMP Group LLP, shared that since its establishment, the company has produced over 9,000 hopper cars, 26 platforms, and 2 covered wagons. Production capacity has grown from 100 to 240 wagons per month. The company is on track to complete an early contract for the supply of 3,000 hopper cars, with completion expected by May 2025.
“Our country has enormous untapped potential in transit and logistics. The railway system needs to be modernized with new wagons. Therefore, we fully support the company's plans to increase production,” the prime minister underscored.
Bektenov also instructed the Ministry of Transport to collaborate with relevant organizations to explore measures of support for the company, including the possibility of establishing long-term off-take contracts for the supply of hopper and covered wagons.
“Furthermore, the company’s management must take steps to increase the share of local content, which currently stands at 57 percent. Increasing localization is crucial. You must continue to stimulate domestic production,” Bektenov concluded.
One of the major producers of railway cars, the Kazakhstan Railway Car Manufacturing Company (Kazakhstan Wagon Plant) is engaged in the manufacture, maintenance, and upgrading of these vehicles. One of the major manufacturers is the Kazakhstan Wagon Plant in Pavlodar, which supplies parts for railway equipment and makes a range of wagons, including freight and passenger carriages.