A joint venture between French company Orano Mining (51%) and Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom (49%), known as “KATKO,” is set to begin construction on a new uranium processing complex in the South Kazakhstan’s Turkestan region. The project, located in the Syzak district, is expected to be operational by mid-2025.
The complex will process productive solutions from the South Tortkuduk section of the Moyinkum deposit to produce a uranium desorbate, an intermediate product, which will be further processed into uranium concentrate. With an expected annual production of 2,045 tons of uranium, the plant will help the joint venture reach its target of 4,000 tons of uranium extraction annually.
The location is close to key infrastructure, including a 90-kilometer railway line connecting the region to the Zhanatas station. The plant will occupy 39.6 hectares, and its construction will employ a shift work schedule, with two 12-hour shifts.
KATKO’s revenue for 2023 increased slightly to 147.4 billion KZT, although net profit dropped to 66 billion KZT, reflecting rising production costs. The venture is also planning a significant expansion of its uranium production, with a new mine, “South Tortkuduk,” expected to reach full capacity within the next 15 years.
This project represents a key development in Kazakhstan’s expanding uranium industry and highlights the country’s growing role in the global nuclear fuel market.
