Due to the significant scale of our operations, it is important for us to ensure responsible consumption of natural resources and effective management of environmental impacts. In line with our strategy, we aim to comply with ESG principles and prevent impacts on biological and physical natural systems, use limited resources efficiently, reduce our carbon footprint, implement environmentally friendly, energy—and material-saving technologies, develop and manufacture environmentally friendly products, and minimize and recycle waste.

Before embarking on new projects and facilities, we engage with the public through a series of environmental impact assessment (EIA) activities. We ensure that all stakeholders have access to draft EIAs and that their comments and suggestions are received and registered. In order to familiarize the public with the planned activities, materials are posted on local government websites and in the media. GRI 413-1

Our environmental compliance activities in 2023:

• conducting EIA and public hearings;
• development and approval of emission, discharge and waste disposal standards and obtaining emission permits;
• strict adherence to the norms approved in the above documents;
• fulfillment of the requirements of the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding the installation of automated systems for monitoring pollutant emissions;
• Active participation in the work of technical working groups on developing BAT reference books.

In 2023, environmental protection costs totaled KZT 60.9 billion, 43% more than last year. Portfolio companies increased investments in introducing new, more efficient technologies with lower environmental impact.

Expenditure on environmental protection*, KZT million