KazMunayGas, W.R. Grace discuss catalytic cracking catalysts production in Kazakhstan

ALMATY. May 31 (Interfax) - Kazakh national oil and gas company KazMunayGas (KMG) and American company W.R. Grace have discussed the prospects of producing catalytic cracking catalysts in Kazakhstan, the KMG press service.

KMG's CEO Askhat Khasenov met with W.R. Grace's President of Refining Technologies, Luis Cirihal.

"The discussions centered on the ongoing activities of their joint venture, Grace Kazakhstan Catalysts LLP, and explored the potential of establishing a catalytic cracking catalyst production in Kazakhstan. It was decided to evaluate the feasibility of production using local raw materials, including rare-earth elements, and conduct the project's feasibility studies by the end of the current year," according to the statement.

Cooperation with W.R. Grace currently centers on the operations of Grace Kazakhstan Catalysts LLP, which supplies and tests catalytic cracking catalysts to several domestic refineries meeting international standards. In 2022, the joint venture inaugurated Kazakhstan's first specialized laboratory for testing catalysts for the oil refining industry in Atyrau.

KazMunayGas is Kazakhstan's national operator engaged in the exploration, production, processing, and transportation of hydrocarbons, representing the state's interests in the oil and gas industry.

W.R. Grace is a leading provider of chemical products and materials, founded in 1854. It operates in 40 countries worldwide, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and ranks among the largest US companies (Fortune 1000).