Kazakhstan's eastern Abay region will see the construction of a new copper smelting plant with a capacity of 300,000 tons per year, as announced by the government. KAZ Minerals Smelting LLP has signed an agreement with China Nonferrous Metal Industry's Foreign Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd. (NFC) for the plant's construction. NFC Kazakhstan LLP will handle the construction and commissioning.

Located near Aktogay village, the plant will process copper concentrate from Bozshakol and Aktogay mining plants. The project is expected to be operational by the end of 2028. The facility will produce high-value-added copper products that comply with global environmental standards, as well as refined gold, silver, and sulfuric acid for various industries.