Kazatomprom gets the go-ahead for pilot production of Inkai 3

Kazatomprom has signed a new mining concession agreement with the Kazakh Ministry of Energy, validating four years of pilot production for a total of 701 tonnes of uranium (tU) from the Inkai 3 landfill.

Share:

Kazatomprom obtient le feu vert pour la production pilote d'Inkai 3.

The Inkai deposit, located in the Suzak district of the Turkestan region, contains uranium resources estimated at 83,100 tU. This project, essential to Kazatomprom’s sustainable development strategy, marks a significant milestone for the company. Meirzhan Yussupov, CEO of KazatompromThe launch of pilot production at Inkai 3 will contribute to the social and economic development of the Turkestan region. He added that strengthening the mineral resource base will consolidate Kazatomprom’s position as a leader in the uranium industry and meet the growing demand for clean energy.

Transfer of contract to Kazatomprom-SaUran LLP

Kazatomprom plans to transfer the Inkai 3 underground use contract to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Kazatomprom-SaUran LLP. This subsidiary already operates uranium deposits in the Turkestan region, including Kanzhugan, South Moyynkum, Central Moyynkum, Uvanas and Mynkuduk. In 2023, the company completed a major investment project to modernize its 1,600-ton-per-year uranium refinery in Turkestan. This development is part of a broader strategy to boost production capacity and modernize existing infrastructures.

Production and extraction methods: focus on in-situ leach

All uranium production in Kazakhstan uses the in-situ leach (ISL) extraction method. The Inkai LLP JV, a joint venture between the Canadian company Cameco (40%) and Kazatomprom (60%), extracts uranium from the Inkai 1 deposit. This mining model, known for its low environmental footprint, will also be applied to Inkai 3, guaranteeing sustainable and efficient resource exploitation.

Future projects and production development

Last June, Kazatomprom announced its intention to start production from the new deposit, stating that it was negotiating mining rights based on project documents valid for 25 years, covering the pilot production phase. The company plans to build operational assets with an annual capacity of 4,000 tU. This initiative aims not only to increase domestic uranium production, but also to support global efforts for a stable, clean energy supply. The extension of uranium production capacity at Inkai 3 is a direct response to the growing global demand for nuclear energy and raw materials for new-generation reactors. By consolidating its operations and increasing production, Kazatomprom is strengthening its position in the global uranium market.

  • Populaires ​
Ignitis begins construction of three energy storage parks in Lithuania
Shell ships first LNG cargo from its LNG Canada facility
Dalinar Energy wins recommendation to acquire Citgo with $7.38bn bid
TotalEnergies acquires 1.5 GW of AES renewable assets in the Caribbean
Japan and Siemens Gamesa sign strategic offshore wind agreement
Egypt accelerates El-Dabaa national grid connection for 2026
Cairo is stepping up connection works for the planned 4,800 MW El-Dabaa nuclear plant, developed with Rosatom, to feed the grid from 2026 with output equal to about seven % of national electricity.
EDF postpones restart of Flamanville EPR to August 13
EDF extends Flamanville EPR's shutdown to August 13 to conduct technical checks on three valves of the reactor's primary circuit, initially scheduled to resume production this week.
United States selects Westinghouse and Radiant to test their nuclear microreactors
The US Department of Energy has selected Westinghouse and Radiant Nuclear to conduct the first nuclear microreactor tests at the DOME experimental centre located in Idaho, with operational start expected in spring 2026.
GE Vernova and Fortum launch major nuclear project in Scandinavia
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Fortum announce partnership aimed at preparing for the potential deployment of small modular reactors in Finland and Sweden, with commissioning scheduled for the 2030s.
Energy Fuels extracts 638,700 pounds of uranium at Pinyon Plain mine
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru strengthen cooperation in civil nuclear sector
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
World Bank resumes nuclear financing after decades of absence
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
Seoul approves definitive decommissioning of South Korea’s first nuclear reactor
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
EnCore Energy raises uranium output and hails Texas nuclear reforms
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
IAEA Confirms Concerns About Iranian Enriched Uranium Stockpile
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
India: NPCIL extends deadline to September 30 for BSR reactor proposals
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
EDF anticipates immediate reduction in nuclear output amid heatwave
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
Fortum selects Westinghouse to study an AP1000 reactor in Finland
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
United States: Unprecedented firing of nuclear regulator sparks intense controversy
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp acquires 170 million shares of Anfield Energy Inc.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York launches major nuclear project to secure its energy supply
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia and Mali Sign Trade Agreements and Target Nuclear Energy
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
United States releases additional $100 mn to restart Palisades Nuclear Plant
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS