MAXAM
Maxam signs a JV to manufacture initation systems in Kazakhstan with Samruk-Kazyna
2013.09.30
Press room - News - Maxam signs a JV to manufacture initation systems in Kazakhstan with Samruk-Kazyna
MAXAM is a leading company in the production of civil explosives and blasting services for mining, quarrying and infrastructure construction sectors in Central Asia.
- Samruk-Kazyna is a sovereign wealth fund with large investments in the extractive, energetic, metallurgical, chemical and construction industries, which make up 60% of the country’s GDP.
- The joint venture consolidates MAXAM’s presence in one of the world’s most important countries in terms of mining potential.
- In addition to initiation systems, the joint venture will also supply modern explosives to some Kazakhstan’s large mining companies.
- MAXAM began operating in Kazakhstan in 2002. Today it has 225 employees –99% of whom are local workers– with over 20M€ in sales in 2012.
- At a global level, MAXAM’s 2012 income amounted to 1088 M€. The Company is present in 45 countries spread across five continents, and was founded by Alfred Nobel in 1872.
The agreement signed today with Samruk-Kazyna will permit MAXAM to locally produce high tech initiation systems, products which are complementary to civil explosives and a key part of the design and executive of all blasting operations. Currently, these products are imported into the country.
Local production capabilities will allow MAXAM to provide better service to their existing customers, and likewise allow the Company to continue consolidating its presence in the country, in line with the evolution of its mining sector, and the development of its infrastructures.
"As part of our internationalization strategy, MAXAM began operations in Kazakhstan in 2002. The past decade has shown us that it was the right decision then, and that it continues to be the right choice now, given the growth potential that continues to be displayed both by the country and its mining sector. A potential to which we remain committed, as we are showing through new agreements like the one that we are signing today", explained José F. Sánchez-Junco, Chairman & CEO of MAXAM.
With its headquarters in Karaganda, MAXAM Kazakhstan LLP currently operates four manufacturing plants in the country, as well as numerous on-site facilities, providing its services to both underground and open pit mining operations, mainly centered on the extraction of copper, zinc and bauxite.
Kazakhstan: large mineral reserves
Mining accounts for 5.4% of Kazakhstan's GDP and 9% of its exports (59,800 M $), according to 2010 data. The Central Asian country is the world’s 10th largest coal producer and has some of the largest global reserves of minerals such as copper, gold, zinc, chromium or silicon.
The country’s mineral potential still represents one of its main economic advantages, as is its geostrategic location between China and Europe, a link enhanced via its ambitious program of infrastructure construction.
‘MAXAM Collection. Spanish painting since 1900’
The exhibition organized by the MAXAM Foundation presents 82 works created by some of the most representative Spanish artists of the XX and XXI century. Traveling outside of Spain for the first time in the Collection’s history, the exhibition also marks Kazakhstan first major international art show.
MAXAM, founded by Alfred Nobel in 1872 in Bilbao, commissioned a painter in 1899 to illustrate its calendar for the following year. That decision was the source of both the collection and a tradition, that today, more than a century later, the Company continues to undertake year after year, resulting in a unique compendium of authors, styles and themes.
The exhibition inaugurated today in Astana includes renowned artists like Julio Romero de Torres, Ángel Mateo Charris, Cecilio Plá, Rafael Canogar, Manuel Benedito or Eduardo Úrculo, among many others.
The ‘MAXAM Collection. Spanish painting since 1900’ exhibition will run until November 15 at the Kulanshi Art Center, located in the landmark Pyramid (Palace of Peace and Accord), one of the Kazakh capital’s most emblematic buildings.
MAXAM – www.maxam.net
MAXAM is a service and industrial group that operates on a global scale by developing, manufacturing and commercializing civil explosives and initiation systems for mining, quarries and construction; cartridges, shotgun shells and smokeless powder for hunting and sports use; and products for the defense industry. Additionally, MAXAM is a supplier of key raw materials for nitro chemical activity, generated for the company’s own internal needs as well as for sales to third parties. Finally, as a result of its drive towards innovative, sustainable development, MAXAM offers its clients a wide variety of solutions in the fields of safety and environmental conservation.
Founded by Alfred Nobel in 1872, MAXAM celebrated its 140th birthday in 2012 with a yearly turnover of approximately 1.088 billion euros and a presence in all of the major mining areas of the world, with production sites in over 45 countries, an active market presence in more than 100 others, and over 6500 employees spread across five continents.
The MAXAM Foundation - www.fundacionmaxam.net
MAXAM Foundation is a non-profit organization that encompasses MAXAM sponsorship activities in the realm of culture, and within painting in particular. Moreover, the Foundation’s mission centers on the organization, preservation and dissemination of the historical heritage amassed by MAXAM since its founding in 1872 by Alfred Nobel. It also organizes activities for the promotion and achievement of objectives linked to civic, social, educational, scientific and technological research and development.
Further information:
Lucas Ferreira
MAXAM
Communications Director
91 722 01 00
lferreira@maxam.net
