A major industrial transformation may be taking shape in Kazakhstan’s Aktobe Region. Authorities are currently elaborating an investment project for deep chrome processing, initiated under the “investment order” mechanism at the request of the regional akimat. The initiative aims to move the region away from raw material exports toward high-value manufacturing and the creation of a full-scale chemical and metallurgical cluster, DKNews.kz reports.
This is not about another mining facility. The project is designed to fundamentally change how Kazakhstan works with one of its key strategic resources.
A global player steps in
The project is being developed together with Sichuan YinHe Chemical Co. Ltd., one of the world’s largest companies specializing in chrome processing. The investor plans to build a modern production complex focused on the deep processing of chrome-containing raw materials.
The future facility is expected to produce:
- fertilizers,
- chemical products,
- metallurgical components,
- biologically active additives.
The planned production capacity will reach up to 200,000 tons per year, with the total annual output value estimated at around USD 1 billion. Some product categories could be worth as much as USD 300,000 per ton, highlighting just how far the project moves beyond traditional raw exports.
Half a billion dollars and hundreds of jobs
Total investment is estimated at around USD 500 million, with the potential creation of more than 600 jobs. Importantly, these will not be low-skilled positions. The project implies demand for engineers, technologists and specialists capable of working in high-tech chemical and metallurgical production.
For Aktobe Region, this means not only new employment but also a shift toward a more diversified and resilient economic structure.
Why Aktobe and why chrome
According to KAZAKH INVEST, chrome and chemical-metallurgical industries were identified as priority sectors following a systematic analysis of the region’s investment potential. Aktobe has a strong resource base, export logistics and the ability to form a full production cycle, from raw materials to finished products.
The key objective is to increase the depth of processing and reduce exports of semi-finished raw materials, which traditionally generate limited value for the economy.
In simple terms, Kazakhstan wants to sell not tons of ore, but complex, high-margin products.
Technology, ecology and localization
As part of the project preparation, KAZAKH INVEST held negotiations with leading international companies in the sector. This resulted in an official visit by a Kazakh delegation to Sichuan YinHe Chemical’s production facilities.
During the visit, discussions focused on:
- advanced technological solutions,
- environmental standards,
- parameters for localizing production in Kazakhstan.
Environmental compliance was a key topic, reflecting the growing importance of sustainable industrial development and global ESG standards.
Agreement signed, interest confirmed
Following negotiations, both sides confirmed their mutual interest in implementing the project and signed the relevant agreement. The next stages will involve detailed planning, localization decisions and preparation for construction.
If fully implemented, the initiative will allow:
- the creation of a new high-tech industrial facility in Aktobe Region,
- stable long-term demand for local raw materials,
- stronger positions for Kazakhstan in the global market of deep chrome processing products.
What is an “investment order”
The “investment order” mechanism is a proactive tool for attracting investors. Instead of waiting for proposals, regions and government bodies identify priority sectors and formulate concrete project requests.
The mechanism includes:
- analysis of regional resources and needs,
- targeted search for specialized investors,
- full project support from concept development to production launch.
This approach helps shift Kazakhstan’s investment policy from opportunistic deals to strategic industrial development.
Why this project matters
The Aktobe chrome processing project reflects a broader national goal: moving beyond a raw-material model toward value-added production. If successful, Kazakhstan could strengthen its role not just as a supplier of chrome, but as a global producer of sophisticated chemical and metallurgical products.
For the region, it means new skills, new industries and long-term economic stability. For the country, it is another step toward building a diversified, export-oriented economy that invests in its future rather than simply extracting it.
