Kazakhstan’s Minister of Industry and Construction, Ersain Nagaspayev, outlined plans for the development of the country's coal chemistry sector during a Government meeting, reports Kazinform.

"Given the country's significant coal reserves, the development of this sector will allow us to move away from a raw-material-based economy and increase value-added production," said Nagaspayev. "At present, we are working with major companies such as CHN Energy and East China Engineering and Technology."

According to the Minister, CHN Energy is prepared to invest up to USD 4 billion in projects for the production of ammonia and urea. Additionally, East China Engineering and Technology, in partnership with Samal Commodities LLP, is working on a project for the production of organic chemical products.

"Furthermore, within the framework of the approved Roadmap for the Development of Coal Chemistry, domestic coal mining enterprises, in cooperation with national research institutes, are conducting comprehensive studies and implementing advanced technologies aimed at producing high-demand chemical products," Nagaspayev added.

During the same Government meeting, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov expressed concern over the country's shortage of sulfuric acid.