On 2 September, the Kazakhstan-France joint venture celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Shanyrak basecamp in Sozak District, Turkestan Region. The event was attended by key figures including Zulfukhar Zholdassov, First Deputy Akim of Turkestan Region, and Sylvain Guiaugue, the French Ambassador to Kazakhstan, alongside various stakeholders from the mining industry. The ceremony highlighted the significant milestones achieved by KATCO, which has transformed from a site with minimal infrastructure to a leading uranium producer, reaching a production capacity of 4,000 tonnes per year by 2026.
Since its inception, KATCO has made substantial contributions to the national economy, paying KZT 460 billion into the budget and placing KZT 836 billion in orders with local suppliers. The company has also invested KZT 8.2 billion in over 500 social projects within the Turkestan Region and Sozak District, showcasing its commitment to community development. The workforce, comprising 1,363 employees—99% of whom are Kazakh citizens—has maintained an impressive safety record, working over two years without a lost-time injury.
During the anniversary celebration, long-serving employees were recognised with state and regional awards, alongside KATCO Certificates of Honour. The event concluded with a screening of an anniversary film and a gathering of teams working on-site, reflecting on the journey of the company and the partnerships that have been crucial to its success since 1996. The ceremony served not only as a commemoration of past achievements but also as a reaffirmation of KATCO’s ongoing commitment to safety, community engagement, and sustainable mining practices.
