Kazzinc announced it will launch a new copper facility this year with a capacity of 70,000 tonnes a year.

"Kazzinc's main investment project in 2010 will be the launch of a new copper production facility at the Ust-Kamenogorsk metals combine with a base capacity of 70,000 tonnes of copper a year," it said.

Kazzinc produces zinc, lead, copper, gold and silver.

"Kazzinc does not plan to reduce production volumes in 2010," the company said.