On 2 September, the Kazakhstan-France joint venture celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Shanyrak basecamp in the Sozak District of the Turkestan Region. The event was attended by a range of dignitaries, including Zulfukhar Zholdassov, First Deputy Akim of Turkestan Region, and Sylvain Guiaugue, the French Ambassador to Kazakhstan, alongside key figures from the mining industry and local government.
The venture, known as KATCO, has made significant strides since its inception, transforming from a landscape of exploration wells and open steppe into a thriving uranium production facility. In 2026, KATCO achieved a milestone by producing its 60,000th tonne of uranium, reaching a nominal capacity of 4,000 tonnes per year. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to growth and sustainability within the mining sector.
Financially, KATCO has contributed KZT 460 billion to Kazakhstan’s national budget since 2008 and has engaged with 2,695 suppliers, investing KZT 836 billion in local orders. The company has also directed KZT 8.2 billion towards over 500 social projects in the Turkestan Region and Sozak District, reflecting its dedication to community development.
The workforce behind KATCO is predominantly local, with 99% of employees being citizens of Kazakhstan, and around 70% hailing from the Turkestan Region. Notably, approximately 60% of the staff have been with the company for over a decade, showcasing a strong commitment to employee retention and safety. The company has proudly reported over two years without a lost-time injury, a testament to its focus on workplace safety.
During the anniversary celebrations, long-serving employees were recognised with state and regional awards, as well as KATCO Certificates of Honour. The event included a screening of an anniversary film and concluded with festivities for the teams working on site. The leadership expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the company’s success over the past three decades, highlighting the collaborative efforts of partners and local communities since 1996.
