EuroChem (Moscow, Russia; www.eurochem.ru) has announced the launch of phosphate ore production at the Kok-Jon phosphate rock deposit in the Jambyl region, Kazakhstan. The EuroChem project in Kazakhstan has already produced around 20,000 metric tons (m.t.) of phosphate ore, which has been shipped to the adjacent storage facility. Total production is expected to amount to over 150,000 m.t. of phosphate ore by the end of the year.
The company plans to reach a steady production level of up to 650,000 m.t./yr in 2016 following the full commissioning of the Phase I programme. EuroChem also plans to further ramp up the project to 1.5 million m.t./yr as it aims to construct a fertilizer complex in the region. The Company has already invested around $75 million in the project. The development of the Kok-Jon deposit and the planned construction of the fertilizer complex are implemented in accordance with an agreement between EuroChem and the Government of Kazakhstan.