Kazakhstan’s iron ore extraction witnessed a significant surge in the second month of this year, with over 4.187 million tons extracted, marking a 37.5% increase compared to February 2023, according to data provided by the National Statistics Bureau. Production of iron ore agglomerate also experienced a notable uptick, growing by 44.8% for the month. However, in comparison to January 2024, it declined from 475.5 to 456.1 thousand tons. Positive dynamics were also observed in the production of iron ore concentrates, reaching 5.699 million tons in February, marking a 15.9% and 12.3% increase compared to the same month last year and the preceding month of this year, respectively. Additionally, Kazakh mining plants saw a significant rise in the production of non-agglomerated iron ore, with 2.661 million tons processed in February, a 44.9% surge compared to the previous year. The production of iron ore pellets also intensified, reaching 474.8 thousand tons, a 38.8% increase compared to 2023, albeit failing to surpass January’s figures, showing a 2.2% decline. Anticipation is high for a noticeable increase in iron ore extraction following the commencement of operations at the Lomonosovskoye deposit in the Kostanay region, slated for 2025.
Website: Asia.com
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Central Asia Metals Makes Conditional Investment in Aberdeen Minerals
Central Asia Metals unveiled a conditional investment of £3 million ($3.8m) in Aberdeen Minerals on Monday, securing a 28.7% equity stake in the company. The move comes as Central Asia Metals, known for its operations in Kazakhstan and North Macedonia, diversifies its portfolio by venturing into the UK’s raw battery materials exploration domain. Aberdeen Minerals, a privately-held exploration firm based in Scotland, boasts a significant land package and has already identified promising copper-nickel-cobalt deposits at its Arthrath project, initially explored by Rio Tinto in 1968. This investment aligns with the UK government’s critical minerals strategy, aimed at bolstering national resilience in critical mineral supply chains, particularly in light of the green energy transition. Central Asia Metals expressed optimism about the UK’s burgeoning mining sector, driven by environmental imperatives, deeming it an attractive destination for exploration investment. The financing structure includes a £3 million cornerstone investment at 8.5 pence per share, with provisions for additional investment through warrants, potentially raising CAML’s ownership to 37.8%. Aberdeen Minerals CEO Fraser Gardiner welcomed CAML’s investment, highlighting its validation of their projects and exploration plans, signaling a promising partnership for future success and local economic growth tied to the energy transition.
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Kazatomprom Forecasts Uranium Supply Deficit Amid Growing Global Demand
During the “ATOMEXPO-2024” forum, Meirzhan Yusupov, Chairman of the Management Board and Member of the Board of Directors of the National Atomic Company “Kazatomprom” stated that with the increasing demand for nuclear energy worldwide, new players are expected to enter the uranium supply market, as Kazakhstan alone may not be sufficient to meet global needs. While currently, global uranium reserves are estimated at 4.7 million tons, capable of meeting the growing demands for nuclear generation in the coming decades, Yusupov noted a potential future deficit due to escalating generation needs. Despite significant geological exploration efforts, he emphasized the likelihood of a structural deficit post-2030, indicating the insufficiency of Kazatomprom alone to bridge this gap. Yusupov anticipated the emergence of new players in uranium mining, with some junior companies already actively engaged in this sector. He reassured that Kazatomprom, as a global leader, remains committed to fulfilling its contractual obligations in uranium supply.
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Revised Agreement for Gold and Silver Sale Approved by Kyrgyz Government
The Kyrgyz government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov, has signed a resolution (No. 117, dated March 15, 2024) approving a revised contract for the sale of gold and silver between Kumtor Gold Company, Kyrgyzaltyn, and the government. The decision aims to ensure the uninterrupted and efficient operation of the Kumtor mine following Centerra Gold Inc.’s exit from the Kumtor project. The approved resolution includes provisions for the revised contract, rendering previous agreements obsolete. Additionally, the resolution advises relevant entities such as Kumtor Gold Company, Kumtor Operating Company, Kyrgyzaltyn, and the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic to take necessary actions as per the resolution. Ministries and administrative bodies are instructed to organize and execute tasks in line with the resolution. The administration of the Kyrgyz President will oversee the implementation of the resolution, which comes into effect immediately upon signing and will be officially published.
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Kyrgyzaltyn Announces First Gold Delivery to International Market in April
In a closed briefing attended by journalists, a high-ranking official from the Kyrgyz presidential administration revealed that the first delivery of gold to the international market by Kyrgyzaltyn is slated for April. The official emphasized transparency, stating that the precious metal would be sold at the price prevailing on the London Stock Exchange at the time of delivery. Despite receiving several purchase offers, many of which requested discounts, the authorities are committed to transparency in the process. Additionally, the official expressed a desire to retain as much gold as possible within the country to encourage domestic investment. To facilitate this, Kyrgyzaltyn is finalizing the construction of a plant for the production of weighted ingots, which will be available for purchase by the public. However, approximately 10-12 tons of gold will be allocated for sale to the foreign market. Furthermore, the authorities are actively working towards the development of a thriving jewelry industry within the country.
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Conference Explores Business Opportunities in Armenia’s Mining Sector
In a recent conference titled “Exploring Business Opportunities,” stakeholders gathered to discuss the pivotal role of “Environment, Social Sphere, and Management” in Armenia’s business sector. The event served as a significant platform for deliberating issues, proposed solutions, and the exploration of international practices. Armen Stepanyan, the Director of Sustainable Development at the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine, highlighted the importance of such gatherings, emphasizing their role in addressing existing challenges through active engagement and knowledge sharing. Stepanyan reiterated the company’s commitment to tackling various challenges in the mining industry, stressing their incremental progress towards sustainable solutions. Despite the perception of mining as an environmental burden, Stepanyan assured that both the Zangezur Combine and other mining enterprises in Armenia are capable of managing environmental impacts effectively. He acknowledged the multitude of challenges but affirmed the company’s proactive approach in identifying and resolving them systematically. Stepanyan concluded by expressing the Zangezur Combine’s dedication to meeting international standards in the coming years.
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Uzbekistan Mulls Collaboration with China Nuclear Uranium for Black Shale Uranium Mining
In a bid to bolster its uranium mining capabilities, Uzbekistan is considering a partnership with China Nuclear Uranium Co. Ltd for the development of black shale uranium mines, according to reports from Trend. Discussions between representatives of China Nuclear Uranium and Jamal Fayzullaev, the director general of Navoiyuran State Enterprise, have centered around the potential production of black shale uranium at the Jantuar and Ma’danli deposits situated in the Navoi region.
Geological surveys have been conducted at key sites, including the Ma’danli and Koscheka fields within the Auminzatau Mountains. Sampling and analysis activities at the Ma’danli field have provided insights into the feasibility of extracting uranium and other rare elements from the ore composition, laying the groundwork for potential development in the area.
This prospective collaboration follows a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2023 between Navoiyuran and China National Nuclear Corporation, outlining mutual cooperation in uranium mining and processing endeavors in Uzbekistan. As part of this agreement, discussions have revolved around various investment initiatives within the uranium sector, signaling a growing partnership between the two entities.
Jamal Fayzullaev, highlighting future plans, disclosed Navoiyuran’s ambitions to ramp up uranium production by 1.5 times while simultaneously reducing production costs by 20.1 percent. The enterprise aims to intensify geological prospecting activities, covering over 1 million meters of exploration area, alongside extensive drilling operations spanning 3.8 million meters for uranium production purposes in 2024.
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Kazatomprom, the National Atomic Company of Kazakhstan, disclosed its consolidated financial outcomes for the year 2023
Kazatomprom’s 2023 financial results reflect the significant improvement in the uranium market and the company’s strong position as the largest seller and lowest-cost producer globally.
Kazatomprom demonstrated exceptional financial resilience, reflecting its strategic market positioning and robust operational efficiency. Despite significant volatility in the global uranium market due to geopolitical tensions and clean energy transition, the demand for nuclear power increased significantly. With Kazakhstan accounting for 40% of annual world uranium production, at least every third of nuclear reactors worldwide relies on Kazakh uranium. Meirzhan Yussupov, CEO of Kazatomprom, emphasized the Company’s role in energy security and readiness to secure utilities’ needs amidst market bifurcation discussions.
Kazatomprom achieved impressive financial results in 2023, despite a modest increase in average annual uranium prices. Group consolidated revenue grew by 43%, reaching 1.4 trillion tenge, while gross and operating profits demonstrated almost 50% year-on-year increases. These achievements were made possible by the considerable improvement in the uranium market over the past year and Kazatomprom’s position as the largest seller and lowest-cost producer globally. The efforts of the Company’s 20,000 dedicated professionals contributed significantly to these positive outcomes.
In 2023, Kazatomprom launched exploration programs and strengthened assessments of territories to ensure reserve replenishment for future generations and meet growing market needs. The Company continues to focus on cost optimization to maintain operational efficiency and sustainability. Despite plans to restart idled capacity and launch new production in the mid-2020s, Kazatomprom acknowledges that another supply source similar in size will be needed post-2030 to cover future market needs, especially considering geopolitical uncertainties, inflationary pressures, and supply chain challenges worldwide.
Key financial metrics for 2023 include:
- Consolidated revenue: KZT 1,435 billion (USD 3.1 billion), a 43% increase compared to 2022
- Operating profit: KZT 681 billion (USD 1.5 billion), a 49% increase compared to 2022
- Net profit: KZT 580 billion (USD 1.3 billion), a 23% increase compared to 2022
- Adjusted EBITDA: KZT 829 billion (USD 1.8 billion), a 31% increase compared to 2022
- Attributable EBITDA: KZT 639 billion (USD 1.4 billion), a 29% increase compared to 2022
- Cash flow from operating activities: KZT 432 billion (USD 960 million), a 52% increase compared to 2022
The Operating and Financial Review and Audited Consolidated Financial Statements provide detailed explanations of Kazatomprom’s results for the year ended 31 December 2023, as compared to the same period in 2022, and the Company’s guidance for 2024. These documents are available at www.kazatomprom.kz.
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Two mineral deposits will be developed in the Karaganda region in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, two mineral deposits will be developed. In the Karaganda region, two projects are being implemented where 300 jobs will be created.
The first project is the development of a coal mining quarry at the Saryozen deposit, with an estimated cost of 889 million tenge and a capacity of 83 million tons. It is expected to provide 180 jobs.
The second project involves the extraction of manganese ores at the Oypat deposit, with a launch cost of 1.5 billion tenge. The plant’s capacity will reach 450,000 tons of ore per year, which is expected to be achieved next year. The project is expected to create 120 jobs.
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Gold accounts for more than a third of Uzbekistan’s export revenues
In the first two months of 2024, Uzbekistan sold products abroad totalling over 3.631 billion USD. This is 0.436 billion or 13.6% more than the previous year.
The republic received the highest revenues from export shipments of gold (1.318 billion, up by 11.5%) and non-ferrous metals (0.164 billion, down by 7.3%).
Additionally, significant revenues were generated from exports of vegetables and fruits (0.154 billion, up by 25.9%), clothing items (0.152 billion, down by 5.4%), and inorganic chemical substances (0.147 billion, up by 110%).
Source: Uzbekistan Statistical Agency.