Two stages to launch integrated gas treatment and chemicals production complex in Atyrau

The $6.3 billion project to construct the integrated gas treatment and chemicals production complex in Atyrau will be implemented in two stages, KazTag Agency quoted Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries Inc. Chairman of the Board Shyngys Issmagulov as saying to Senators March 16. According to him, the first stage worth $2 billion is to be completed in 2014 in partnership with Sinopec Engineering of China. “Before 2014 the foundations will be complete (…) By the Q3 2013 we will start assembling processing units. At the same time we start placing orders for 13 types of long-lead equipment such as compressors, turbines, waste heat boilers and others (…), Mr. Issmagulov said. The second stage will be completed in partnership with LG Chemical, the largest Korean chemical company, on a parity basis. The Korean side will be rendering technical support related to hook-up and commissioning, including personnel training at already operating facilities. The second stage is to be implemented before 2016. The integrated gas treatment and chemicals production complex will be converting domestic hydrocarbons and manufacturing polypropylene and polyethylene. The project is expected to create 6500 temporary and 900 permanent jobs. When unveiling major industrial projects in Kazakhstan January 27, President Nazarbayev emphasized that the integrated gas treatment and chemicals production complex in Atyrau worth $6.3 billion should be launched at its projected capacity to produce 500 000 tons of propylene and 800 000 tons of polyethylene. “These types of products have never been produced in Kazakhstan so far”, President stressed.