Kazakhstan produced 19 million tons of uranium in 2011

Kazakhstan, Astana, Feb. 3, / Trend T.Nurmagambetov /

As a result of 2011 the volume of uranium production in Kazakhstan amounted to 19 million tonnes, up almost 9% higher than in 2010, press service of the National Atomic Company "Kazatomprom" reported.

"Kazakhstan in 2011 retained its leading position in the uranium mining industry, providing 35% of the total world production of uranium, which according to preliminary data amounted to 55,400 tons of uranium. "Kazatoprom" given the stakes in subsidiaries and affiliates, in 2011, got 11.079 thousand tons of uranium, or 20% of world production.

The volume of tantalum products increased compared with the results of 2010 by 11.3% niobium - by 27.7%, Beryllium - by 26.9%, "- said in a statement.

The press release notes that the strategic goal of JSC "NAC" Kazatomprom "focusing on maintaining a leading position in the global uranium market. This company is interested in maximum diversification through the establishment of production of nuclear fuel cycle (NFC) in the Republic of Kazakhstan and foreign participation in assets.

Kazatomprom, as a supplier of natural uranium, has retained its presence in all regions of the world where nuclear power plants in operation: in Europe, Asia, the United States. Shipments to customers on contracts "Kazatomprom" was 10.399 thousand tons of uranium, which is about 17% of world reactor requirements. All obligations under existing long-term contracts during 2011 performed in its entirety.

In 2011, Kazatomprom signed several large contracts with existing and new customers for the Company, in particular by Électricité de France (EDF) and a number of energy companies in the United States.

JSC "NAC" Kazatomprom "- national carrier of Kazakhstan for export of uranium and its compounds, rare metals, nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants, special purpose equipment, technologies and dual-use materials. Main activities of the company are: geological exploration, uranium production of nuclear fuel cycle, reactor construction, nuclear power plants, production of construction materials, energy, science, social welfare and training. Today the company employs over 23 thousand people. Kazatomprom is among the leading uranium mining companies in the world.