ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 17. Chairman of the Management Board of JSC NC "KazMunayGas" (KMG), Askhat Khassenov visited the Aktau Bitumen Plant of LLP "JV CASPI BITUM" in Mangystau region, Trend reports.
In the course of the visit, Askhat Khassenov reviewed the progress of a project aimed at increasing the oil processing capacity from 1 million to 1.5 million tons per year. This upgrade will allow for an increase in road bitumen production from 500,000 to 750,000 tons per year.
In the course of the visit it was noted that the work schedule is significantly ahead of schedule: as of April 17, the actual progress of construction and installation works reached 98 percent.
"Preparations for commissioning are actively underway. In particular, individual equipment tests have been conducted, and 23,000 tons of oil have been delivered, with a total of 35,000 tons expected in April. Amid steadily growing demand for road bitumen in Kazakhstan, the modernization of the Aktau 'CASPI BITUM' plant - one of the country’s key domestic bitumen suppliers - is of strategic importance for the development of the road infrastructure sector," the information notes.
The work, which began in November 2024, is being carried out by the general contractor CITIC Construction (CITIC Group). Over 260 workers and 13 units of specialized equipment have been involved in the plant's modernization.
Following the visit, Askhat Khassenov instructed the management of LLP "JV CASPI BITUM" to ensure a safe plant launch and a smooth transition to full operational mode.
The Aktau Bitumen Plant is the largest producer of road bitumen in Kazakhstan. Located in the city of Aktau, it has been operating since 2013. It is a joint venture between JSC NC "KazMunayGas" and LLP "CITIC Kazakhstan," with each party holding a 50 percent stake.
