WPB: After completing modernization efforts, the Aktau Bitumen Plant, operated by Caspi Bitum—a joint venture where KazMunayGas (a subsidiary of Samruk-Kazyna) and China’s CITIC each own 50%—has produced its first batch of bitumen. A total of 740 tons were manufactured, marking a key milestone. The plant’s full relaunch at its upgraded capacity of 1.5 million tons of oil per year (up from the previous 1 million tons) is planned for May.
According to a statement, this achievement was part of a modernization project initiated on the orders of Kazakhstan’s President. The first batch of road bitumen, weighing 740 tons, received a quality certificate, confirming that the updated facilities are ready for full operation.
Since November 2024, construction and installation work at the site was handled by CITIC Construction, the general contractor linked to the Chinese partner. KazMunayGas highlighted that the project finished one month ahead of schedule, thanks to continuous round-the-clock work, following an earlier request for accelerated completion. About a year ago, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy had announced that the plant’s production capacity would grow by 1.5 times by April 2025. The total investment in the modernization project reached $76 million.
The Ministry of Energy also shared that the plant is set to produce 8,000 tons of bitumen in April. An official launch ceremony for the upgraded plant is scheduled for May 5. The overall cost of the project was reported at 36.1 billion tenge.
As a result of the upgrades, the annual output of bitumen will increase to 750,000 tons, compared to the earlier 500,000 tons. Kazakhstan, which has had to rely partly on imported road bitumen, will now be able to meet more of its domestic demand. Market players have noted that construction companies usually ramp up bitumen purchases during the warmer months when asphalt laying is active, but the modernized plant aims to ensure steady supply throughout the year.
Caspi Bitum stands as the largest producer of road bitumen in Central Asia. The plant itself was constructed between 2010 and 2013 and officially began operations on December 12, 2013.
During President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to China on October 17, 2023, KazMunayGas and CITIC Group signed an agreement to carry out the capacity expansion project throughout 2024 and 2025. The plant exclusively processes heavy oil from Karazhanbasmunay, another KazMunayGas-CITIC partnership, which is particularly suited for bitumen production.
By WPB
Bitumen, Plant, China
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