MINEX Forum

Tag: Mining Challenges

  • Inkai Uranium Production Falls Short of Target in 2024 Amid Supply Challenges

    Inkai Uranium Production Falls Short of Target in 2024 Amid Supply Challenges

    The Inkai joint venture, a partnership between Kazatomprom (60%) and Canada’s Cameco (40%), produced approximately 3,000 tons of uranium in 2024, according to its CEO, Birzhan Zhylkaidarov. This figure falls short of the 3,200-ton annual target stipulated in the company’s subsoil use contract. Final production data for 2024 will be released later, but preliminary estimates indicate a decline compared to the 3,201 tons produced in 2023.

    The contract allows for a 20% deviation from the annual target of 4,000 tons, meaning production between 3,200 and 4,800 tons is acceptable. However, if the final 2024 output remains below 3,200 tons, it would constitute a breach of contractual obligations. While regulators typically issue a warning for first-time violations, repeated failures could result in fines or contract termination.

    Zhylkaidarov attributed the shortfall to supply chain disruptions, particularly irregular deliveries of sulfuric acid, a critical reagent used in the in-situ leaching (ISL) method of uranium extraction. The ISL process, which involves injecting a solution of sulfuric acid and water into underground uranium deposits, is highly sensitive to reagent availability. Delays in acid deliveries from mid-April to mid-May 2024 disrupted production schedules, leading to a 20% drop in output compared to contractual targets.

    The Inkai venture sources sulfuric acid from KAP Logistics, a subsidiary of Kazatomprom, which transports the reagent from domestic producers like KAZ Minerals, Kazzinc, and Kazphosphate. However, operational halts at supplier plants, including a week-long stoppage at Kazphosphate last fall, exacerbated the challenges.

    Looking ahead, Inkai plans to produce 3,200 tons of uranium in 2025. The company is also exploring long-term solutions, including the construction of a sulfuric acid plant in Taykonur, expected to launch in 2027. This facility, with an annual capacity of 800,000 tons, could fully meet Inkai’s sulfuric acid needs.

    Since commencing operations in 2002, Inkai has extracted 39,476.2 tons of uranium from the Inkai-1deposit, one of Kazakhstan’s richest uranium reserves. The venture’s final product, yellowcake, is processed into uranium oxide (U3O8), which is sold to shareholders Kazatomprom and Cameco for distribution to global markets, including France, a leading consumer of nuclear energy in Europe.

  • Uranium Exploration in Albania: Challenges and Consequences

    Uranium Exploration in Albania: Challenges and Consequences

    Collaborating with Chinese experts, research endeavors commenced in Nimçë, Kukës, and Muhur, Dibra. Despite encountering low exploitation prospects and challenging ore conditions, workers successfully reached their goal. Periodic reports detailing the research findings were submitted to the prime minister.

    “The results were reported to the Prime Minister by the expedition leaders… We aimed to establish the presence of such mineralization in Albania, which we achieved,” stated Gezim Shima, a geologist.

    “In Albania, we have Nimçen with industrial conditions but with very low reserves… we also have uranium in the phosphorite of Fushë Vardë and in the phosphorite of Guzmar,” revealed Qerim Ismeni, a metallurgist and environmentalist.

    Special devices were employed for the search, detecting radiation in the area, a clear indication of uranium presence, according to experts.

    “In all uranium-related facilities, discoveries are made by measuring radiation and through chemical analysis,” explained Qerim Ismeni.

    While the exploration met its objective of locating ore, the conditions were challenging, with few reserves. After an extensive research period, operations ceased. Today, the surviving mine workers can be counted on one hand, with irreparable health consequences.

    “The number of Nimçe workers still alive is almost… unfortunately, many have passed away at the age of 55,” lamented Qerim Ismeni.