Expansion Expected at Shalkiya Lead-Zinc Ore Mine Following Acquisition

SHANGHAI, Jul. 12 (SMM) - Samruk-Kazyn acquired a 29% stake at Kazzinc in February. Kazzinc, whose parent company is GlencoreXstrata, is the largest lead-zinc ore smelting company in Kazakhstan. Samruk-Kazyna is now planning to invest in another lead and zinc company –ShalkiyaZinc. SAT &Company (holding an 81 stake) and ShalkiyaZinc jointly own the Shalkiya lead-zinc ore mine. ShalkiyaZinc is also in possession of Kentau dressing plant, which is 160 km away from the Shalkiya mine. The mine and dressing plant were forced to close during 2004-2009 due to plunging zinc prices. SAT has approved the establishment of another dressing plant at the mine. Total investment (expansion of mining capacity and establishment of dressing plant) is estimated at USD 490 million. Proven ore reserves of Shalkiya are 202 million mt, with zinc and lead grade at 3.2% and 0.9%, respectively. Estimated ore reserves are 264 million mt, with zinc and lead grade at 3.1% and 0.8%, respectively. Once completed, 4 million mt of ore will be mined and dressed each year get 44,000 mt of lead concentrate and 160,000 mt of zinc concentrate. However, capacity expansion and dressing plant construction will not commence until approval is obtained from authorities and funds are in place. ShalkiyaZinc also owns Talap leand-zinc ore deposit, 30 km from Shalkiya mine. The deposit contains 17.8 million mt of ore, with zinc and lead grade at 3% and 1.6%, respectively. (Edited by SMM)