Kazakhstan is moving forward with the construction of a major ammonia and carbamide (urea) plant under an investment agreement, following a decree signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
During a meeting with ESTA Construction executives on March 4, Bektenov directed relevant ministries to finalize the investment agreement within two weeks. The project will be developed by Qazesta Fertilizers, a joint venture between QazaqGaz and ESTA Construction.
The $1.35 billion facility, to be built in the Mangistau region, will be strategically positioned to enhance Kazakhstan’s fertilizer production and boost exports via the Caspian Sea. The construction phase, expected to last three and a half years, will generate 3,000 jobs, while the plant’s operations will create 400 permanent positions.
Once operational, the plant is expected to produce up to 700,000 tons of carbamide and 42,000 tons of ammonia annually, significantly strengthening Kazakhstan’s fertilizer industry and export potential.
The project aims to advance the gas chemical sector, support import substitution, and promote the production of high-value-added goods.
Currently, Kazakhstan produces three types of fertilizers—ammonium nitrate, ammophos, and ammonium sulfate—yet domestic output meets only about half of the estimated 3.2 million-ton demand. The establishment of local urea production will reduce import dependency, enhance food security, and contribute to the agricultural sector’s growth.