Orano and Navoiyuran Collaborate to Increase Uranium Production in Uzbekistan
Navoiyuran and Orano Sign Agreement for Industrial Development of Uranium Deposit
Navoiyuran, a state-owned enterprise, and the French company Orano have officially signed an agreement for the industrial development of the Yuzhny Dzhengeldy uranium deposit. This partnership will be carried out through their joint venture, Nurlikum Mining, based in Uzbekistan.
The agreement was finalized on March 12 at the Uzbek-French business forum, which coincided with the state visit of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, to Paris.
According to the terms of the agreement, the Yuzhny Dzhengeldy project will be integrated into the operational facilities of Navoiyuran, which will act as the project operator. Additionally, Japan’s ITOCHU Corporation will be joining the venture by acquiring a minority stake.
With the confirmed resources available, the Yuzhny Dzhengeldy uranium mining project is expected to sustain production for over a decade, reaching a peak output of 700 metric tons of uranium annually.
This collaboration is part of a broader strategic agreement outlined in 2022 between Orano, the Uzbek government, and Navoiyuran. As part of this partnership, a geological exploration program will be initiated with the aim of doubling the mineral resources of the joint venture.
Xavier Saint-Martin-Tillet, Senior Executive Vice President for Mining at Orano, expressed his confidence in the project, highlighting the company’s commitment to leveraging its expertise for the project’s development and expansion.
Navoiyuran, known as the fifth-largest uranium producer globally, is pivotal in ensuring sustainable and responsible nuclear fuel supplies. Specializing in uranium extraction and processing, the company meets international demand for clean energy through its export activities. Navoiyuran utilizes advanced production facilities and in-situ leaching technology to enhance extraction efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
ITOCHU, a prominent Japanese trading house, is involved in a wide range of sectors, including metals, minerals, energy, and finance, both domestically and internationally.
The partnership between Navoiyuran, Orano, and ITOCHU signifies a significant advancement in the industrial development of the Yuzhny Dzhengeldy uranium deposit, paving the way for increased production and resource expansion in the coming years.
