Kazakhmys Corporation, one of Kazakhstan’s leading mining companies, claims it wasn’t part of any talks related to the potential sale of natural deposits to either foreign or local investors.
“There are rumors circulating in the media and on social networks about alleged ongoing negotiations to sell eight mineral deposits to a foreign investor. This information is false. Kazakhmys Corporation is not involved in any talks to sell any deposits to foreign or other investors,” the company said in a statement.
Furthermore, Kazakhmys emphasized that the intentional dissemination of fake news is punishable under Kazakhstan’s legislation.
“We urge the media and the public to rely only on official and verified sources, as well as to refrain from spreading rumors and speculation,” the statement read.
The majority stake (99.1%) of Kazakhmys is controlled by Kazakhmys Copper, with Kazakhmys Holding Limited, registered at the Astana International Financial Centre, as the ultimate parent company. Vladimir Kim, Kazakhstan’s fourth richest person, according to Forbes, with a net worth of $3.6 billion, holds a 70% stake in the latter, while the remaining 30% is controlled by Eduard Ogay, Kazakhstan’s 13th richest person, whose fortune amounts to $800 million.
