National Company KazMunayGaz (Kazakhstan) announced launch of first centre of integrated operative control over petrochemical plants in Romania

/KASE, November 26, 2010/ - National Company KazMunayGaz (Astana), whose bonds are officially listed on Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE), provided to KASE the following press-release of November 26, 2010: quote NC KazMunayGaz acting through Rompetrol Petrochemicals (petrochemical part of The Rompetrol Group) has successfully finished automation of plants and integration of operations in the Centre of Operative Control over Petromidia platform (CCR). Rompetrol Rafinare operations are now coordinated via this centre. "Integration of automated control over petrochemical plants is an important step towards the company's goal - to become one of chief regional suppliers and producers of polymers, and it is a natural step after investing USD107 m since 2002 to extend special operations, output, and quality and product range" - says Niculi Dimitru, General Manager of Rompetrol Petrochemicals. Total value of the project aimed at integration of local systems in a control centre is estimated at USD500 th. There has been reshuffle investment from Rompetrol Petrochemicals from 2006 to 2007 in High Pressure Polyethylene (HPP) production - USD30 m, and Low Pressure Polyethylene (LPP) - over USD 14.5 m. Subject to integration were also two new HPP and LPP packaging lines, and one LNP sea terminal supplying ethylene. "The new centre assures a complete surveillance - control and safety of technological chains, collection and real-time transfer of technical data, and indirectly helps to reduce production costs. It is the first in Romania, and South- East Europe", - adds Dimitru. The project was run by Rominserv, the general contractor of The Rompetrol Group, and was aimed at creation of infrastructure for data transmission, plant CCTV, changing consoles and control boards location, and trials in real conditions. The new centre unites three polymer-manufacturing lines (polypropylene, LPP, HPP), and pyrolise-related steam boilers, and propane-propylene separatorе. Rompetrol Petrochemicals intends to boost the LPP production capacity by over 70% by end 2011; investments required are estimated at USD18 m. The company scored a 9-months turnover of USD214.2 m, and operating income of USD11.5 m, eventually exceeding its 2009 results - USD181 m, and USD12.5 respectively. Thanks to integration and centralized operations of Rompetrol Rafinare and Rompetrol Petrochemicals being united in Operative Control Centre and assistance from department in charge of integrated production, all preconditions for efficient management of the platform are in place. Petrochemical Centre of Operative Control was completed in 2004 after investing USD 33m. Rompetrol Petrochemicals is fully owned by Rompetrol Rafinare. Corporate and Public Relations Department The Rompetrol Group PR department KazMunayGaz Republic of Kazakhstan, 010000, Astana, Kabanbai Batyr str., 19 tel. +7 (7172 976340, fax: +7 (7172) 976329 www.kmg.kz unquote [2010-11-26]