Since the beginning of 2026, 120 inspections of nature users have been completed in the East Kazakhstan Region (EKR). Inspectors identified 122 violations and imposed fines of KZT 371.5 million. More than KZT 80 million was recovered from Kazzinc LLP for excess emissions and violations in the operation of gas-cleaning equipment.
WHAT VIOLATIONS WERE IDENTIFIED AT KAZZINC
According to the EKR Ecology Department, during unannounced inspections of Kazzinc LLP in February and March, specialists found repeated excess emissions of pollutants and violations in the operation of gas-cleaning equipment.
Following the inspection, the enterprise was issued an order and fined KZT 20.1 million. The company paid this amount in full.
In May, violations of environmental requirements were recorded at Kazzinc's Zinc Plant. The enterprise was held administratively liable and fined KZT 60.5 million.
WHAT CLAIMS AROSE AGAINST THE HEAT SUPPLY COMPANY
Violations were also found at Boiler House No. 2 of Shygys Zhylu JSC. The inspection showed that the facility allowed excess emissions, insufficiently reduced them during periods of unfavourable meteorological conditions, and the efficiency of gas-cleaning equipment did not meet design parameters.
Based on the inspection results, the enterprise was fined more than KZT 4.2 million and issued an order to remedy the violations.
HOW MANY FINES REMAIN UNPAID
Acting Head of the EKR Ecology Department Aset Suleimenov reported that, based on the inspection results, inspectors drew up 167 administrative protocols and issued 66 orders.
As of the time of the briefing, 135 fines had been recovered. For the remaining 32 rulings totalling KZT 135.7 million, the voluntary payment period had not yet expired.
WHAT VIOLATIONS WERE FOUND IN THE UTILITIES SECTOR
Administrative liability was also imposed on the housing and utilities (HCS) departments of ten districts and cities of the region. The basis was the absence of approved waste management programmes.
Thus, the inspections covered not only industrial enterprises but also heat supply and utilities facilities.
CONTEXT
The problem of air quality in Ust-Kamenogorsk had previously raised concern among local residents. In September, residents reported headaches, dizziness and a tickle in the throat amid recorded exceedances of pollutant concentrations in the air. Exceedances of permissible pollutant concentrations in the city were recorded for several days in a row.
Following an unannounced inspection, specialists identified exceedances of emission standards for pollutants into the atmosphere. Kazzinc LLP was held administratively liable and issued orders to remedy violations in the operation of gas-cleaning equipment.
