SandCo, a leading producer of high-purity quartz sand in Central Asia and a subsidiary of Kazakhstan鈥檚 Namys Group, announced a record-breaking production milestone of 15,000 tons in 2024. The surge in output follows an initial $10 million investment aimed at expanding the company鈥檚 production capabilities.
Specializing in a fully integrated supply chain that includes mining, refining, and distribution, SandCo produces silica with more than 98% purity. The company continues to invest in research and development to further enhance the purity of its quartz sand. This material is essential in various high-tech and industrial applications, including semiconductor manufacturing, skyscraper construction, and advanced filtration systems used in oil and gas sectors.
鈥淥ur record production in 2024 is just the beginning of a broader transformation,鈥� said Sanzhar Zhumanalin, CEO of SandCo. 鈥淲e are focused on scaling up our commercial and logistics operations internationally. In 2025, we aim to increase our annual output to 25,000 tons and begin a strategic expansion into the Chinese and Middle Eastern markets, where premium quartz sand plays a pivotal role in digital economy-related industries.鈥�
Throughout 2024, SandCo supplied quartz sand to key regional projects, such as hydraulic fracturing operations by Tengizchevroil, the Kazakhstan Football Federation鈥檚 initiative to build 20 youth football fields, and multiple municipal water filtration systems across Central Asia.
The global demand for high-grade quartz sand has surged, driven largely by the growth of semiconductor production and the energy sector. Industry analysts forecast a 5.5% annual growth rate in the industrial quartz sand market from 2026 to 2033. Meanwhile, the frac sand segment, critical to oil and gas extraction, is expected to grow by $4.50 billion between 2024 and 2028.
To bolster its distribution capabilities, SandCo constructed a dedicated rail spur in 2023, linking its Kariernoe quartz deposit with international trade corridors, including those leading to China and the Caspian Sea ports. The company sees strategic advantages in aligning with China鈥檚 Belt and Road Initiative, positioning Kariernoe as a key node in future trade networks.
Established in 1999, SandCo has consistently expanded its infrastructure and R&D efforts over 25 years. Its facilities incorporate advanced machinery from Hitachi and Volvo, ensuring precision in particle size鈥攆rom 0.1 mm to 15 mm鈥攁nd compliance with global industry standards.
Looking ahead to 2025 through 2030, SandCo plans to integrate renewable energy sources, including solar power, into its operations and further reduce its carbon footprint. It also aims to automate packaging processes and implement digital quality-control systems. In addition, SandCo is investing in recycling technologies for spent proppants, supporting sustainability and circular economy principles. The company is positioning itself as a critical player in the emerging global supply chain for essential minerals.
