Construction is set to begin in the city of Rudny, Kostanay region of Kazakhstan, on one of Central Asia’s largest metallurgical facilities — a hot briquetted iron (HBI) plant designed to cut carbon emissions by more than 50%, Eurasiatoday.ru reports.
Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) has signed a contract with Austria’s Primetals Technologies and the U.S.-based Midrex Technologies for detailed engineering, equipment supply, and commissioning of the new-generation production facility using MIDREX Flex technology.
The plant will have an annual capacity of 2 million tons of HBI, with a metallization rate of at least 93% and an iron content of around 90%. Unlike traditional blast furnace production that relies on coke, the new facility will use natural gas, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Total investment in the project exceeds $1.2 billion, and construction will create more than 1,000 new jobs. The plant is expected to be operational by 2029.
Kostanay region governor Kumar Aksakalov described the project as “a driver of regional economic growth and the foundation of a new industrial ecosystem.”
ERG Chairman Shukhrat Ibragimov added:
“We are opening a new chapter in Kazakhstan’s metallurgical history, creating jobs and training skilled professionals for the industry of the future.”
The initiative aligns with Kazakhstan’s strategy to develop next-generation industry and implement green technologies. ERG has previously launched several eco-friendly projects — from recycling ferroalloy gases to processing industrial waste and sludge — reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and reduced emissions.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
October 21, 2025