Kazatomprom JSC held a press tour at the Inkai uranium deposit, operated by Inkai LLP, located in the Turkestan region. Journalists were shown the company’s uranium extraction and processing technologies, as well as its environmental safety measures and social responsibility initiatives.
Kazakhstan remains the world’s leader in uranium production, supplying about 40% of the global nuclear energy market. Inkai is one of the country’s key deposits, known for its low extraction costs. Kazatomprom owns 60% of the joint venture’s shares, while Canada’s Cameco holds the remaining 40%.
Technology and Safety
Stepan Tretyakov, Head of Mining, highlighted the use of in-situ recovery (ISR) technology, which is considered the safest and most environmentally friendly method of uranium extraction. “We conduct a five-year monitoring program after extraction is complete, ensuring the ore horizons return to their natural state,” he explained.
At the “Satellite-2” processing facility, Aybek Aidymbekov, Head of Processing, outlined the uranium processing stages, including clarification, sorption using special resin, extraction, and packaging into barrels. Annually, 30 million cubic meters of solution are processed, producing over 11,000 barrels of uranium peroxide.
Operator Beksyltan Ilyas emphasized the importance of radiation protection and automated monitoring at all stages. Meanwhile, Evgeniy Madzhara, Head of the Laboratory, noted that 24/7 quality control ensures no deviations from the technology and guarantees product quality.
Social Support and Employee Comfort
The company is actively investing in regional development, allocating 475.4 million tenge in 2024 for social needs in the Turkestan region. Acting Akim Bolat Esenkabyl shared that the company has lit streets, built sports fields, supported schools, and provided internet access in the village of Taykonur.
Comfortable conditions have been created for employees in the rotational camp, including a multifunctional sports complex, gym facilities, and recreational zones with entertainment options like billiards, table tennis, and PlayStation consoles.
Environmental Initiatives
The press tour concluded with an elm tree planting initiative. Inkai actively supports environmental projects and provides assistance to veterans, children, and low-income families.
The press tour demonstrated that Kazakhstan’s uranium industry is a high-tech, safe, and socially responsible sector.
