Zhairem history

The history of the settlement of Zhairem does not stretch back to deep antiquity, but it is closely interwoven with the large-scale industrial development of Central Asia's natural resources. This locality in Kazakhstan emerged in the second half of the 20th century and became a symbol of the geological achievements of that time.

Foundation and Start of Construction

Zhairem is a comparatively young settlement. Its appearance on the map is directly linked to the discovery of the richest deposits of polymetallic ores in the Ulytau region. The active phase of construction began in the 1970s, when the desert steppe terrain started to transform into an important industrial hub. Zhairem was officially granted the status of an urban-type settlement in 1972, marking the transition from temporary geological bases to the creation of a permanent urban environment.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Zhairem was determined by purely pragmatic and economic reasons, turning it into a significant point on the industrial map:

• Mineral Wealth: The main driver of growth was the discovery of unique reserves of manganese, barite, lead, and zinc. It was for the development of these resources that significant investments and machinery were directed here.
• Infrastructure Creation: The construction of the mining and processing plant required the laying of transport routes and power lines, which breathed life into this remote corner of the steppe.

Early Lifestyle and Development

From the moment of its foundation, Zhairem was formed as a classic monotown (single-industry town). Its first residents were geologists, miners, engineers, and builders who came here to work on the ambitious project. The cultural and social life of the settlement was initially built around production: parallel to the mines and quarries, residential quarters, schools, and social facilities necessary for the comfortable life of the plant workers and their families were erected.

Development Chronology

The history of the settlement is inextricably linked with the industrial development of the region. Below are the key dates that determined the destiny of this locality.

• 1950s — Geological expeditions discover rich reserves of manganese and barite ores in the Zhairem tract.
• 1972 — The locality of Zhairem is officially granted the status of an urban-type settlement, starting active housing construction.
• 1976 — The Zhairem Mining and Processing Plant (GOK) is commissioned, becoming the main city-forming enterprise.
• 1980s — A period of intensive growth for the settlement: schools, hospitals, and cultural facilities open for the families of the plant workers.
• 1991 — After Kazakhstan gains independence, the enterprise begins the transition to a market economy.
• 1996 — The state combine is transformed into the Joint-Stock Company "Zhairem GOK" during the privatisation process.
• 2000s — The enterprise expands its sales markets, establishing the export of manganese concentrates to countries far abroad.
• 2014 — The major mining company "Kazzinc" acquires shares of the GOK, opening a stage of large-scale production modernisation.
• 2017 — The ambitious "Polymetals of Zhairem" project is launched, aimed at developing new deposits and updating technologies.
• 2021 — The launch of a new modern processing plant takes place, allowing for a significant increase in ore processing volumes.

Stages of Establishment and Transformation

The development path of Zhairem is a story of qualitative evolution from a temporary geological base to an important link in the region's mining and metallurgical complex. Several key phases can be highlighted that formed the modern appearance, economy, and social atmosphere of this settlement.

• From Expedition to Urban Environment: The first significant turning point was the transition from the shift method of development to settled life. The construction of permanent housing, schools, and hospitals allowed for the attraction of qualified specialists for permanent residence, turning the work camp into a full-fledged settlement with developed social infrastructure.
• Role of the City-Forming Nucleus: The launch of the processing plant became the foundation of economic stability. The enterprise not only provided the population with jobs but also took on the support of key life-support systems, creating an inseparable link between production successes and the well-being of residents.
• Period of Market Adaptation: The transition to a market economy was a serious challenge that the settlement successfully overcame. The change in management form and entry into international markets allowed the preservation of industrial potential and work collectives at a time when many single-industry towns were experiencing decline.
• Era of Technological Renewal: The modern stage of development is associated with the arrival of major investments and integration into the structure of the industrial leader "Kazzinc". This brought advanced technologies, process digitalisation, and new safety standards to the settlement, while the implementation of the polymetals processing project opened long-term prospects for the local economy.

Urban Planning Features and Layout

The architectural appearance of Zhairem was fully formed in the second half of the 20th century, making it a classic example of Soviet urban planning of the industrialisation era. The settlement was designed and built practically "from scratch" in the open steppe, so its layout is distinguished by rationality and strict geometry. The master plan provided for clear zoning: residential quarters (micro-districts) are separated from the industrial zone by sanitary gaps, and the streets form a clear rectangular grid oriented towards convenient logistics.

Dominant Style: Soviet Modernism

Unlike older cities with layers of eras, Zhairem demonstrates stylistic unity. The main direction here is late Soviet Modernism and functionalism of the 1970s–1980s. This period is characterised by:

• Utilitarianism of Forms: A rejection of decorative excesses in favour of simplicity, conciseness, and speed of construction.
• Standardised Housing Construction: The basis of the housing stock consists of serial panel and brick buildings of medium height (predominantly 4–5 floors), designed to quickly provide comfortable housing for the plant workers.
• Scale of Public Zones: Spacious squares in front of key social facilities, wide avenues, and alleys.

Landmark Structures and Modern View

The visual dominants of the settlement are not palaces or temples, but objects of social and industrial infrastructure, reflecting the spirit of labour achievement.

• Administrative and Cultural Centres: The buildings of the House of Culture, administration, and the shopping centre are executed in strict geometric forms using concrete and glazing, which is typical for the Brezhnev era.
• Industrial Landscape: A crucial part of the panorama is the structures of the mining and processing plant. Their massive constructions and the modern corps of the new factory form a unique technogenic horizon.

Today, the architecture of Zhairem in Kazakhstan is gradually transforming: the renovation of facades, the appearance of new playgrounds, and the landscaping of park zones bring bright modern accents to the stern industrial look.

The history of the industrial development of the settlement of Zhairem in Kazakhstan is inextricably linked with the names of pioneering geologists and production leaders. It is thanks to their labour that a major mining and processing centre grew in the steppe.

Distinguished Figures and First Builders

• Anatoly Alexandrovich Rozhnov — Chief Geologist of the Zhairem Geological Exploration Expedition.
  A legendary figure in the history of the region. Under his leadership, detailed exploration of the Zhairem and Ushkatyn-III deposits was conducted. For outstanding successes in strengthening the mineral resource base, he was awarded the title of Hero of Socialist Labour. He was a Laureate of the USSR State Prize for the discovery and preparation of the deposit for development.
• Efim Meerson — First Head of the Zhairem Geological Exploration Expedition (GRE).
  He headed the expedition created in 1969. He organised large-scale prospecting works which confirmed industrial reserves of polymetals, which became the justification for the construction of the future plant and the settlement itself.
• Nikolai Rybakov — Head of the Zhairem Geological Exploration Party.
  He led the first specialised party, created in 1961 based on the Dzhumart expedition. He stood at the origins of the systematic study of the region's subsoil, laying the foundation for subsequent discoveries.
• Magauiya Bigaliev — Leading Engineer-Geologist.
  One of the key specialists of the geological service during the period of the settlement's formation. He made a significant contribution to the mapping of ore fields and the study of hydrogeological conditions, which was critically important for starting the development of quarries.
• Sergey Arkadyevich Bartosh — Chairman of the Management Board of JSC "Zhairem GOK".
  A leader of the modern stage of development. Under his management in the 2010s and 2020s, a large-scale modernisation of production took place within the "Kazzinc" company, including the construction and launch of a new polymetallic processing plant, giving the settlement a "second wind".
• Yerkebulan Kuandykovich Kuandykov — Head of the Enterprise.
  A representative of the new generation of managers. He worked his way up from section chief to the head of the combine. He is actively engaged not only in production issues but also in the implementation of social projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the settlement's residents.