Stepnogorsk Mining-Chemical Complex

The Stepnogorsk Mining-Chemical Complex LLP (SMCC) was established on September 9, 2004. The industrial complex of mining and processing enterprises is under the asset management of Kazatomprom. SMCC core operations are implemented by a number of subdivisions and subsidiary enterprises.

The Shantobe mine

The Shantobe mine is located 300km west of the city of Stepnogorsk. The raw material base of the enterprise is represented by the Vostok and Zvezdnoe deposits, where uranium-molybdenum and uranium ores are mined using the underground (pit) method. A modern comfortable industrial settlement at Shantobe, for 7 thousand people and with developed infrastructure, has been built at the mine. For its sufficient life supportthe SMCC founded AGRO-SHANS and Shantobe Energo LLP. There is also a complex of auxiliary facilities to provide the mine with everything necessary for its non-stop activity.

Kyzyltu LLP

Kyzyltu LLP is engaged in development of a copper molybdenum deposit located 90km to the south-east of Stepnogorsk with further ore reprocessing, at production capacities, for the hydrometallurgical plant. The designed capacity of the enrichment complex is 1,000,000 tonnes of ore per year with a further extension up to 2,000,000 tonnes.

Apart from uranium bearing ore, its designed production, the hydrometallurgical plant of the Stepnogorsk Mining-Chemical Complex is engaged in processing of natural uranium concentrates of the South Mining Groups. The Complex has capacities for production of highly purified molybdenum salts. Besides traditional methods of uranium ore processing the hydrometallurgical plant workers have also developed, and introduced to, production a method of heap leaching from low-grade and subquality ore. After modernization of the hydrometallurgical plant, its capacities have exceeded the designed capacity by approximately three times and, today, is equal to 3000 tonnes of U3O8 per year. A molybdenum enrichment complex with a capacity of 500,000 tonnes of ore per year has also been installed and put into operation at the hydrometallurgical plant.

Sulfuric acid production

Sulfuric acid is an important constituent in the in-situ leaching process at uranium deposits. That’s why the start-up of SAP on September 10, 2006, after its lengthy downtime, became a solution to one of the most important industrial tasks. Presently, due to a forecasting increase of demand for sulfuric acid they are engaged in cooperation with their Italian partners in the sphere of design and installation of an advanced sulfuric acid plant, with a capacity of 180 thousand tonnes per annum. The plant is expected to be put into operation in 2009.

Stepnogorsk Temir Zholy LLP

The enterprise provides the delivery of raw materials and equipment to the complex as well as shipment of its end products. As well as this, the local railway is also used for transportation of coal, fuel-oil residual and chemical reagents to enterprises located at the industrial site of the SMCC and for commuter traffic.

Social responsibility

The SMCC annually grants considerable funds for realization of projects for regional social infrastructure development. In 2008, for example, KZT 39,000,000 was allocated for this purpose, which is 25% more than in 2007. In addition to its consideration over the social welfare and health of its employees, members of their families and veterans of the enterprise, the SMCC renders charitable help to state structures, a children’s home, a church and a mosque and sponsorship of schools, sportsmen and participants of amateur talent shows etc.

Victor Belorusov is acting Director General of the Stepnogorsk Mining and Chemical Complex LLP.