China’s East Hope Group will invest over US$12 billion to develop a vertically integrated aluminum production complex in Kazakhstan, according to the country’s Ministry of Industry and Construction.

The project includes the development of 11 bauxite and coal deposits in the Kostanay and Aktobe regions. It will feature a mining and processing plant with a 6 million ton annual capacity, an electrolysis facility capable of producing 3 million tons of aluminum per year, and a 4.5 GW coal-fired thermal power plant.

Ranked among the world’s top ten aluminum producers, East Hope Group also operates in green energy, polysilicon, and agribusiness. The complex will follow circular economy principles and integrate environmentally friendly technologies throughout its production process. Once operational, the project is expected to create over 10,000 permanent jobs.