Kazakhstan, a leading global uranium exporter, manages both active and decommissioned reserves through its National Atomic Company, Kazatomprom. The company operates across 26 sites within 13 deposits in the Turkistan, Kyzylorda,and North Kazakhstan regions, holding controlling stakes in eight out of 14 uranium mining enterprises.
Despite many deposits requiring costly underground mining methods, Kazatomprom continues to explore and identify new resources. Recent findings at the Vostochny site of the Zhalpak deposit revealed additional uranium resources, with ongoing efforts to upgrade these to higher reserve categories.
Kazatomprom Chairman Meirzhan Yusupov highlighted the company’s commitment to expanding uranium resources to support global energy security and Kazakhstan’s economic growth. The country’s uranium production sites include Mynkuduk, Zhalpak, and others, with recent production declining slightly from 23,000 tons in 2017 to 20,900 tons in 2023. Kazakhstan’s uranium reserves stand at 990,000 tons, with most output exported to China, France, Russia, Canada and other countries.
Mining methods primarily involve underground borehole leaching, though some deposits are mined using open methods. The corporate landscape is marked by significant international partnerships, including:
- Southern Mining and Chemical Company (SMCC): Operates Inkai, with Kazatomprom holding a 30% stake and Uranium One 70%.
- JV Zarechnoye: Produces at Zarechnoye, with Kazatomprom and Russian partners each owning 49.979%.
- Uranium One: Holds stakes in Karatau and JV Akbastau, and operates other sites alongside Russian and Japanese interests.
- Japanese companies: Sumitomo Corporation and The Kansai Electric Power Co Inc. have stakes in JV Appak LLP and other ventures.
- Chinese firms: Beijing Sino-Kaz Uranium Resources Investment Company Ltd and CGNM UK Limited have significant stakes in several projects.
- French firm: Orano S.A. (Areva Min) holds a 51% stake in JV KATKO LLP at Moinkum.
Kazakhstan’s strategic partnerships and exploration efforts are crucial to maintaining its position as a top uranium supplier and addressing global energy demands.
