Kazatomprom, Kazakhstan’s state-owned uranium mining company, has announced plans to sustain its uranium production levels despite a temporary export ban on sulphuric acid imposed by the Russian government until the end of 2026. In a recent investor communication via the Astana International Exchange (AIX), the company clarified that while the export of sulphuric acid from Russia is restricted, it can still be facilitated through a system of approvals.
Russian suppliers are reportedly in the process of applying for the necessary permits to meet their contractual obligations with Kazatomprom for the year 2026, and discussions for supply agreements for 2027 are also underway. Kazatomprom estimates that these developments will not affect its production plans for the upcoming two years.
However, the company has yet to finalise all contracts for sulphuric acid supply for its operations in the next year, with the deadline for securing agreements for 2027 set for October. The demand for sulphuric acid is driven by the in-situ recovery method employed at the company’s mining sites, which is crucial for uranium extraction.
In addition to these developments, Kazatomprom has announced a delay in the commissioning of the Taiqonyr Qyshqyl Zauyty plant in the Turkestan region, which has a capacity of 800,000 tonnes. The plant’s launch has been postponed from the first quarter of 2027 to a timeframe between the third quarter of 2027 and early 2028, with Kazatomprom being a co-owner of the facility.
In terms of production performance, Kazatomprom reported sales of 6,083 tonnes of U3O8 in the first half of the year, reflecting a 13% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. The company attributed this decline to the timing of customer orders. As the global demand for uranium continues to evolve, Kazatomprom remains focused on navigating these challenges while maintaining its production output.
