Kazakhmys is a vertically integrated holding company whose key assets are concentrated in the mining industry and non-ferrous metallurgy. It was established and registered as a joint-stock company in August 1997, and was re-registered as a limited liability partnership on 14 January 2005. In October 2014, Kazakhmys PLC was divided into the private Kazakhmys Corporation LLP (owner of the Zhomart Mine) and the public KAZ Minerals Plc, with Vladimir Kim retaining control of both entities.
History
Mining activity in the region dates back to the early 20th century. In 1913, the Spassky Joint Stock Company was registered in Zhezkazgan under the leadership of British businessman Leslie Urquhart. Following the October Revolution, the company was nationalized in the 1920s.
In April 1931, the industrial entity known as Balkhashmet was established. Copper smelting operations began in Balkhash in 1938, and in 1943 the BMZ plant commenced operations in Zhezkazgan.
Kazakhmys itself was formally established in 1992. After its registration as a joint-stock company in 1997, it transitioned into a limited liability partnership in 2005. In 2014, the company was split into Kazakhmys Corporation LLP and KAZ Minerals Plc.
Operations
Kazakhmys ranks 20th globally in copper concentrate production (271,000 tons) and 12th in rough and cathode copper production (377,000 and 365,000 tons respectively, including processed raw materials).