Project Director | Greenfield Copper Smelter

Kazakhstan

Seeking a leader for one of Kazakhstan's largest new copper metallurgy projects — the construction of the new Balkhash Copper Smelter.

This is a position for someone who has actually built and launched large copper smelting operations, not just managed individual construction or engineering departments.

🏭 ABOUT THE PROJECT

• Greenfield
• Capacity — 300,000 tons of cathode copper per year
• CAPEX — approximately $1 billion+
• Full cycle: design → EPC/EPCM → construction → commissioning → ramp-up
• International contractors and technology partners

👀 WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

A Project Director / Project Executive / Director of Major Projects with proven experience in implementing large-scale projects in copper smelting / non-ferrous metallurgy.

❗ Mandatory Requirements:

• Greenfield copper smelter experience;
• Completed project with a value of $1 billion+;
• Comparable scale capacity — 200 ktpa+;
• Experience managing the full project lifecycle;
• Personal experience in commissioning and ramp-up of a metallurgical plant;
• Understanding and experience with EPC/EPCM/PMC interaction;
• Experience working with large CAPEX, international contractors, and technology suppliers;
• Experience interacting with lenders / ECA / project financing will be a significant advantage;
• English language proficiency — mandatory.

👍 PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN Candidates with project experience in China and/or experience working with Chinese EPC/EPCM, technology companies, and financial institutions. Experience with Flash Smelting / Flash Converting, Ausmelt, Isasmelt, SBF, MTC, and other modern autogenous smelting technologies is a big plus.

❗ IMPORTANT This is NOT a vacancy for:

• A construction project director without copper smelting experience;
• A director of an operating metallurgical plant without greenfield project experience;
• A chief metallurgist without investment project management experience;
• An EPC Project Manager responsible only for a specific contract.

We need a leader who was personally responsible for the project's outcome — from engineering to the first metal and reaching design capacity.

🏭 WHAT TO EXPECT

To create and lead the project organization, manage engineering, EPC/EPCM, procurement, construction, commissioning, CAPEX, timelines, risks, and interaction with key stakeholders. This is a project that will define a new stage in the development of Kazakhstan's copper metallurgy.

If you have a real track record of such projects, I'd be happy to connect.

📩 Confidential contact — via direct message or resume to Zelenova@ngcon.ru

In your first message, please specify:

1. which copper smelter you implemented;
2. its capacity;
3. its CAPEX;
4. your role;
5. whether you personally reached commissioning/ramp-up.