The Kazakhmys group of companies monitors and sees all negative activities on the topic "Kazakhmys Smelting" and does not ignore publications.
On August 25, 2020, a video from the Balkhash copper smelter appeared on the Internet, which caused a resonance among residents of the region. In this regard, we consider it necessary to clarify the situation. These shots were actually taken on the roof of the converter site during the working process for its repair. In this regard, we consider it necessary to clarify the situation.
According to the Program of repairs of buildings and structures of the company, it is planned to repair the roof of the shops of the Balkhash Copper Smelter without interrupting production on the existing metallurgical units, according to outfit tasks. When performing these works, the appearance of smoke is allowed as a result of the conversion process and loading operations. Accordingly, the use of increased personal protective equipment, such as overalls and respiratory protection, is provided for employees.
Metallurgical production, like any large enterprise, has a special impact on the environment, being a source of technogenic load. The degree of impact on the environment varies within certain limits within the framework of the laws and regulations of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Balkhash Copper Smelter works within the standards of maximum allowable emissions under Permits for emissions into the environment issued by the Committee of ecological regulation and control Ministry of energy of Kazakhstan. At the same time, this level of emissions does not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations of pollutants in the residential zone, according to the sanitary and hygienic requirements of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Note that the Balkhash Copper Smelter, which employs about 4,000 people, was built in 1938 and today it is not possible to immediately re-equip it using the best available technologies. The complete modernization of the plant will require about 1.8 billion dollars. To stop the operation of the plant in general means that in the current crisis situation associated with the pandemic, the residents of Balkhash, workers and their families, will be left without means of livelihood, and the state budget will not be replenished, and this cannot be allowed. The company annually directs investment funds in the amount of 30 million dollars for gradual re-equipment and repairs of workshops. At the same time, Kazakhmys tries to maintain a balance of priorities between the environment and the preservation of production and its capacity.
Ecology is one of the key issues for the company. Compliance and control of environmental requirements are a priority in the production activities of enterprises.
Kazakhmys is ready to conduct inspections by the relevant authorized state bodies and is open to resolving current issues together with the departments.