SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

KATCO launches production at new uranium site in South Tortkuduk, Kazakhstan

KATCO, a joint venture between Orano and Kazatomprom, has started operations at the South Tortkuduk site, backed by a $190mn investment, targeting a production capacity of 4,000 tonnes per year by 2026.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

KATCO has begun industrial operations at its new uranium mining site in South Tortkuduk, located in southern Kazakhstan. The project, developed in collaboration with shareholders Orano and NAC Kazatomprom JSC, includes a processing plant delivered on schedule after three years of construction. The total investment amounts to $190mn. This development aims to extend the production potential of the Muyunkum deposit, of which South Tortkuduk is an extension.

The site is based on reserves estimated at 46,000 tonnes of uranium. Production from South Tortkuduk will gradually replace the zones currently being exploited. KATCO plans to return to a nominal production rate of 4,000 tonnes of uranium per year starting in 2026. The site uses the In Situ Recovery (ISR) technology, already in place at the company’s other facilities.

A project delivered on time with sustained operational continuity

The construction was completed within the initially announced timeframe, with a strong safety performance. The plant is operated by KATCO’s technical teams, who already run one of the largest ISR complexes in the world. This technology allows for underground uranium recovery without excavation, significantly reducing surface disturbance.

The facilities were designed to optimise extraction and processing flows, incorporating industrial standards aimed at reinforcing the long-term reliability of operations. The opening of South Tortkuduk ensures continuity of KATCO’s activities while meeting the growing global demand for uranium.

Strengthening the Orano–Kazatomprom partnership

The project forms part of the cooperation protocol signed between Orano and Kazatomprom in 2022, intended to deepen industrial synergies between the two entities. The partnership is based on shared technical expertise and a long-term strategy for nuclear sector development.

With an estimated contribution of 7% to global uranium production, KATCO holds a strategic position in the international energy landscape. The launch of South Tortkuduk further consolidates Kazakhstan’s status as a leading global producer while supporting the security of supply for nuclear fuel markets.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Excelerate Energy to build Iraq’s first floating LNG terminal in $450 mn deal
Talen Energy completes $2.69bn bond financing for two gas-fired power plants
Houston American Energy begins construction of alternative fuels complex in Texas
Cameco and Brookfield sign $80bn nuclear partnership with Washington
US crude oil imports fall to lowest level since 2021
Kazakhstan begins negotiations to export uranium to Finland
Talks are underway between Astana and Helsinki to consider the delivery of Kazakh uranium for Finnish nuclear power plants, amid efforts to diversify energy export markets.
Google signs 25-year deal to restart Duane Arnold nuclear power plant
NextEra Energy announces an agreement with Google to restart a nuclear plant in Iowa, with operations expected to resume as early as 2029 and full site ownership secured.
US nuclear regulator recommends construction permit for Kemmerer Unit 1
The environmental review of TerraPower’s Natrium project in Wyoming has been completed, paving the way for a construction permit for this advanced nuclear reactor.
Brookfield secures exclusive deal to revive two nuclear reactors in the United States
Santee Cooper has selected Brookfield Asset Management to lead a feasibility study aimed at completing two unfinished AP1000 reactors, without relying on public funds or raising consumer rates.
Almaraz operators request extension beyond 2028
Endesa, Iberdrola and Naturgy have officially requested the Spanish government to delay the closure of the Almaraz nuclear power plant, originally scheduled for 2028, reigniting the debate on nuclear power's role in the national energy mix.
First El Dabaa nuclear reactor receives 330-tonne pressure vessel
The reactor vessel for Unit 1 at Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear plant has been delivered following a 20-day maritime transport from Saint Petersburg, marking a critical milestone in the country’s energy project.
Canada invests $2.1bn in Ontario Power Generation’s modular reactor project
Ontario Power Generation secures CAD3bn ($2.1bn) in public equity financing to construct four modular reactors at Darlington, aiming to ease private sector entry into next-generation nuclear infrastructure.
Newcleo awards $81mn contract to NEXT-N for advanced modular reactors
French developer Newcleo launches a joint venture with Nextchem through a EUR70 mn contract to design the conventional island of its upcoming 200 MW modular nuclear reactors.
NANO Nuclear acquires Global First Power and expands microreactor presence
NANO Nuclear strengthens its North American strategy by acquiring Global First Power in Canada, securing regulatory rights for its KRONOS MMR™ project at Chalk River.
South Korea submits first nuclear safeguards report for SMR
South Korea becomes the first country to submit a safeguards technical report to the IAEA for a small modular reactor, setting a precedent for early integration of non-proliferation requirements in nuclear design.
EDF faces environmental gaps on EPR2 project in Penly
The Environmental Authority criticises the lack of key data on health risks, chemical discharges and construction safety for EDF's two upcoming EPR2 reactors in Seine-Maritime.
Brazil and China sign agreement on radioisotope supply
Brazil and China have concluded a three-year agreement to secure access to essential radioisotopes for the medical, industrial and scientific sectors, with no financial exchange between the parties.
Last Energy to install pilot microreactor at Texas A&M campus
US-based developer Last Energy will deploy its first domestic microreactor at Texas A&M-RELLIS, marking a strategic step in the advanced modular reactor race.
PGE takes full control of Poland’s second nuclear power plant project
PGE acquires ZE PAK's stake in the joint venture responsible for developing Poland’s second nuclear site, consolidating a strategic asset within its energy portfolio.
Amazon and X-energy advance nuclear project with 12 small reactors
Amazon unveils new visuals of its upcoming nuclear site, marking a key step in its partnership with X-energy to deploy up to 960 MW of modular nuclear capacity in Washington state.
NexGen raises A$1bn to finance its Rook I uranium project in Canada
Canadian uranium producer NexGen Energy has completed a A$1bn ($639mn) equity raise split between North American and Australian markets to support the development of its Rook I project.
Tepco considers shutting down Kashiwazaki-Kariwa’s two oldest reactors
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings is examining the permanent closure of units 1 and 2 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the oldest at the site, while continuing efforts to restart unit 6.
End of JCPOA reignites uncertainty over Iran’s nuclear programme
The formal expiration of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran comes as international sanctions have already been reinstated and diplomatic negotiations remain stalled.
Oklo and newcleo announce $2bn nuclear partnership to strengthen US fuel supply
Oklo, newcleo and Blykalla partner to develop advanced nuclear fuel infrastructure in the United States, backed by a planned $2bn investment.
enCore discovers three new uranium roll fronts in Texas
enCore Energy has identified three new uranium roll fronts at its Alta Mesa project, with ongoing drilling aimed at defining their extent and accelerating development work.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.