MINEX Forum

Tag: Ulba Metallurgical Plant

  • Kazatomprom and Romania’s SN Nuclearelectrica Discuss Expanding Uranium Supply Cooperation

    Kazatomprom and Romania’s SN Nuclearelectrica Discuss Expanding Uranium Supply Cooperation

    Kazatomprom, Kazakhstan’s national atomic company, held discussions with Romania’s Ministry of Energy and state-owned company SN Nuclearelectrica S.A. regarding the expansion of natural uranium supplies and the development of the beryllium industry.

    A key outcome of the talks was the discussion of terms for a ten-year contract to supply Kazakhstani natural uranium for Romania’s current and planned nuclear power plants. Kazatomprom anticipates that the contract will strengthen long-term cooperation between the two countries and provide reliable raw material supplies for Romania’s nuclear energy sector.

    Additionally, the Ulba Metallurgical Plant (UMP), a subsidiary of Kazatomprom, may begin processing Romanian beryllium. Romanian representatives expressed interest in scientific and technical cooperation with UMP and further exploration of processing beryllium raw materials from Romanian deposits. UMP specializes in processing beryllium and tantalum and exports its products globally.

    In Kazatomprom’s 2024 report, uranium production (proportional to its ownership share) reached 12.3 thousand tons, marking a 10% increase from 11.1 thousand tons in 2023 and 11.4 thousand tons in 2022. This growth was mainly driven by joint ventures Budenovskoye, Akbastau, and Karatau.

    However, production of beryllium products fell to 735.1 tons in 2024, down from 842.8 tons in 2023 and 1,295.4 tons in 2022. Tantalum production also declined, with 135.1 tons produced in 2024 compared to 153.8 tons in 2023 and 165.3 tons in 2022.

    Kazatomprom’s 2024 financial report stated that revenue reached 1.81 trillion tenge (up from 1.43 trillion tenge in 2023). The largest consumers of Kazakh uranium and other products included:

    • China: 663.7 billion tenge (522.5 billion tenge in 2023)

    • Kazakhstan: 336.6 billion tenge (182.6 billion tenge)

    • Russia: 253.2 billion tenge (215 billion tenge)

    • Canada: 164.9 billion tenge (131.1 billion tenge)

    • USA: 140.9 billion tenge (152.5 billion tenge)

    • France: 110.9 billion tenge (82.6 billion tenge)

    • United Kingdom: 44.7 billion tenge (40.6 billion tenge)

    • UAE: 29.3 billion tenge (no imports in 2023)

    Other countries purchased Kazakh products worth 69.2 billion tenge, down from 107.6 billion tenge in 2023. Although Romania was not among the largest consumers, Kazatomprom confirmed it continues to supply its products to the country.

  • Kazatomprom is represented at the country pavilion as part of the IAEA General Conference

    Kazatomprom is represented at the country pavilion as part of the IAEA General Conference

    On September 25th, during the 67th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held in Vienna, Austria, the official inauguration of the national pavilion of the Republic of Kazakhstan took place. As reported by SKnews.kz, the pavilion showcased the remarkable achievements of Kazakhstan’s nuclear industry.

    Kazatomprom, the national atomic company, provided comprehensive information about its pivotal role in the global uranium market, its unwavering commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, its fruitful collaboration with the IAEA, and the commendable activities of the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank situated at the Ulba Metallurgical Plant.

    Dignitaries from the Kazakhstani delegation and esteemed guests attending the international industry forum graced the event with their presence.

    “In recent years, Kazakhstan has made significant strides in the field of nuclear energy. Our nation has always recognized the potential of nuclear power to foster progress, while diligently upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental preservation. Today, we gather here to showcase the exceptional contributions of esteemed organizations such as the National Atomic Company ‘Kazatomprom,’ the National Nuclear Center of Kazakhstan, and the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan,” emphasized Almasadam Satkaliyev, the Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, during his welcoming address.

    The inauguration of the Kazakhstani pavilion also featured a noteworthy speech by Mikhail Chudakov, the Deputy Director General of the IAEA. He underscored Kazakhstan’s pivotal role in the advancement of peaceful nuclear energy and its substantial contribution to mitigating the consequences of climate change, as well as in achieving global objectives for low-carbon development.

    Throughout the conference, the Kazakhstani delegation will actively participate in thematic sessions and engage in meetings with representatives from partner countries to discuss a wide array of matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation.

    It is anticipated that the conference will yield significant decisions concerning the development of the global nuclear industry.