Kazakhstan to launch 20 new mining enterprises – Issekeshev
ASTANA. June 12. KAZINFORM 20 new mining and metallurgical enterprises will be launched in Kazakhstan as part of the state program of forced industrial innovative development, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Industry and New Technologies Asset Issekeshev stated at the IV Astana Mining & Metallurgy International Congress, primeminister.kz reported.
"Today, this industry employs nearly 300,000 people, so the government gives special attention to this sector within the framework of the industrialization program. It is planned to start additional 20 enterprises with the creation of 10,000 permanent jobs," Issekeshev said.
However, as the Deputy Prime Minister said, the mining sector is in a difficult situation. The slowdown in global economic growth leads to a drop in demand in the mining industry and high volatility of prices. In addition, the emergence of new materials, stricter environmental regulations, tough competition for investment create long-term challenges for the industry, and require adequate answers from the government.
"In Kazakhstan, mining and metals sector is one of the key sectors of the economy, accounting for about 9% of GDP, about 18% of the total industrial production and almost a quarter of exports," he concluded.