Akim (Governor) of Karaganda region Nurmukhambet Abdibekov recently held a meeting on progress in the coal industry. He talked about the industry’s future as well as goals officials are looking to achieve.
“Currently, 11 mines, six coal mines and five small coal-mining enterprises are functioning in the region. Coal extraction has increased from 25.9 million tonnes in 2009 to 32 million tonnes in 2013. It is expected that 32.5 million tonnes will be extracted in 2014,” Tolegen Igembayev, head of the regional Department of Industry and Industrial and Innovative Development said.
He noted that development of the coal industry has been repeatedly talked about by those in both the national and regional governments. All of the discussion has helped the industry identify key goals to work towards.
The meeting also discussed the fact that a number of coal companies reduced their production volumes. In particular, there was a decline in production at ArcelorMittal Temirtau, Gefest and Borly. In addition, work was slowed at the Shubarkol field while a coke oven gas disposal facility was built.
At the same time, as part of its project to modernise and develop steel production up to 6 million tonnes per year, ArcelorMittal Temirtau was planning to increase coal production up to 15 million tons per year.
The current strategic coal mine development plan, however, raises production to only 13.1 million tonnes by 2020.
Director of the Karagandagiproshaht Institute Ivan Mirny discussed plans to build new coking coal mines in the Karaganda coal basin from 2015 to 2025.
“The region has huge potential for development, highly qualified personnel, professionals, academicsand a sufficient material and technical base. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to actively work on the diversification of the coal industry, including the deep processing of coal, coal development, the introduction of new innovative technologies and, of course, creating safer working environments. Our task is seeing to the sustainable development of the coal industry,” Abdibekov concluded.
Abdibekov wants to diversify the coal industry, adding deep coal processing capabilities and expanding the coal chemical industry. He would also like to see the introduction of new innovations and safer working conditions. This will ensure the stable development of the regional coal industry.
