popular articles

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

Please share:

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.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Brazil's Angra 1 nuclear power plant, operated by Eletronuclear, has been authorized to operate until 2044. This extension marks a significant step for the country’s energy security and reflects the maturity of its regulatory framework.
In response to IAEA criticism, Iran has activated new advanced centrifuges, escalating its nuclear program and heightening tensions with Western powers.
In response to IAEA criticism, Iran has activated new advanced centrifuges, escalating its nuclear program and heightening tensions with Western powers.
The reopening of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania divides opinion. A promise of jobs and sustainable energy for some, a painful reminder of the 1979 accident for others.
The reopening of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania divides opinion. A promise of jobs and sustainable energy for some, a painful reminder of the 1979 accident for others.
The evaluation of debris extracted from Fukushima, crucial for dismantling planning, could last up to a year, according to Tepco, the operator of the Japanese nuclear plant.
The evaluation of debris extracted from Fukushima, crucial for dismantling planning, could last up to a year, according to Tepco, the operator of the Japanese nuclear plant.
The Trump administration plans to support nuclear energy and domestic uranium production. However, questions remain about future budgets and priorities amid competing spending demands.
C5 Capital and Sibanye-Stillwater join forces to develop advanced nuclear energy projects in South Africa, the United States, and beyond, supporting the global energy transition with innovative solutions.
C5 Capital and Sibanye-Stillwater join forces to develop advanced nuclear energy projects in South Africa, the United States, and beyond, supporting the global energy transition with innovative solutions.
The final shipment of vitrified nuclear waste between France and Germany has reached Philippsburg. This transfer concludes recycling contracts signed since 1977 with four German operators.
The final shipment of vitrified nuclear waste between France and Germany has reached Philippsburg. This transfer concludes recycling contracts signed since 1977 with four German operators.
Hungary proposes a budget increase for its Paks II nuclear project, a strategic initiative funded by Russia but facing technical, economic, and geopolitical challenges.
Hungary proposes a budget increase for its Paks II nuclear project, a strategic initiative funded by Russia but facing technical, economic, and geopolitical challenges.
Enel, Leonardo, and Ansaldo Nucleare join forces to study small modular reactors, marking a potential turning point for nuclear energy in Italy after decades of withdrawal.
Orano temporarily suspends uranium extraction activities in Niger
Orano temporarily suspends uranium extraction activities in Niger
Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, visits Iran to inspect the Fordo and Natanz sites. This visit comes as Tehran seeks to dispel doubts about its nuclear ambitions.
Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, visits Iran to inspect the Fordo and Natanz sites. This visit comes as Tehran seeks to dispel doubts about its nuclear ambitions.
At COP29, six countries joined an ambitious declaration to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, bringing the number of signatories to 31, backed by major financial institutions.
At COP29, six countries joined an ambitious declaration to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, bringing the number of signatories to 31, backed by major financial institutions.
EDF projects a strategic decision for its first six EPR reactors in 2026, with sites for eight additional ones to be determined the same year, as part of France's energy strategy.
Vietnam plans to reactivate its nuclear program, halted in 2016, to support rapid industrialization and meet increasing energy demands while aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
Vietnam plans to reactivate its nuclear program, halted in 2016, to support rapid industrialization and meet increasing energy demands while aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
Great British Nuclear evaluates technologies from GE Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse to select the modular reactors that will shape the country’s energy future.
Great British Nuclear evaluates technologies from GE Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse to select the modular reactors that will shape the country’s energy future.
At COP29, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasizes the inclusion of nuclear energy in climate financing, while targeting a regulated access approach for developing countries.
At COP29, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasizes the inclusion of nuclear energy in climate financing, while targeting a regulated access approach for developing countries.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visits Iran to revive inspections and seek a diplomatic resolution on Iran's nuclear program amid growing international tensions.
Niger opens its doors to Russian companies for the exploration of its natural wealth, marking a strategic shift as tensions persist with French companies, particularly over uranium.
Niger opens its doors to Russian companies for the exploration of its natural wealth, marking a strategic shift as tensions persist with French companies, particularly over uranium.
Framatome opens offices in Milan and Turin, marking a new step in Franco-Italian cooperation for the development of nuclear energy in Europe.
Framatome opens offices in Milan and Turin, marking a new step in Franco-Italian cooperation for the development of nuclear energy in Europe.
Poland strengthens its nuclear cooperation with Japan and the Netherlands, enhancing its capacity for its energy transition program.
Poland strengthens its nuclear cooperation with Japan and the Netherlands, enhancing its capacity for its energy transition program.
EDF hopes to finalize new long-term electricity contracts with energy-intensive industries by the end of the year, despite criticism over high electricity prices, which threaten their competitiveness.
EDF challenges Czech decision on nuclear contract awarded to KHNP
EDF challenges Czech decision on nuclear contract awarded to KHNP
Rwanda relies on Russia to train its nuclear energy specialists
Rwanda relies on Russia to train its nuclear energy specialists
Despite extreme weather conditions this summer, offline nuclear capacity in the United States decreased by 16% compared to 2023, thanks to a reduction in unplanned outages, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Despite extreme weather conditions this summer, offline nuclear capacity in the United States decreased by 16% compared to 2023, thanks to a reduction in unplanned outages, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Advertising