Kazakhstan and China have launched active work on the Shymkent Oil Refinery Expansion Project.

A delegation from the Kazakh Ministry of Energy, led by Daulet Arykbayev, Director of the Oil Transportation and Refining Department, took part in a strategic meeting held in Qingdao, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The talks focused on developing the feasibility study for increasing the refinery’s capacity to 12 million tons per year.

During the meeting, the sides approved the key parameters for implementing the project. PetroKazakhstan Oil Products LLP, the operator of the Shymkent Oil Refinery, presented initial technical data, while the East China Engineering Design Institute confirmed its readiness to begin work in line with the approved technical specifications.

The expansion will follow the “6+6” configuration-two processing units with a capacity of 6 million tons each-ensuring full integration of the new facilities with the existing refinery infrastructure. The design is based on previously agreed technical specifications and a pre-feasibility study.

Participants emphasized strict adherence to project timelines and highlighted the need to complete the core feasibility study within the deadlines outlined in the framework agreement. Following the meeting, the relevant protocols were signed, officially moving the project into the active technical development phase.

As part of Kazakhstan’s broader plan to expand its three oil refineries, total oil processing capacity is expected to grow from 18 million to 39 million tons per year. In parallel, efforts are underway to attract investors for the construction of a new refinery with an annual capacity of up to 10 million tons.