Uranium production volume in the Republic of Kazakhstan for the first six months of 2010 amounted to 8452tU that is 42% more than in the corresponding period of 2009, Kazatomprom has revealed. According to the plans uranium production in the second half of 2010 is expected to be 9770tU. This will put the total production in 2010 at 18,200tU, a 30% increase on 2009 production (13,900tU).
Kazatomprom revenues for the first half of 2010 (KZT105.7 billion) were up 58% on the same period in 2009, with a 64% increase in net profit to KZT19.4 billion.
During the first half of 2010, two facilities were commissioned: the industrial complex and wellfield at the Inkai joint venture (Kazatomprom 60%, Cameco 40%) and the first phase of the expanded pilot in-situ leach (ISL) production facility at the Budenovskoye 2 mine operated by Karatau (a joint venture between Kazatomprom and Uranium One).
Kazatomprom also reported reaching agreements on the development of the International Uranium Enrichment Center (UEC), and received certification from Japan’s Nuclear Fuel Industries Ltd. (NFI) allowing uranium dioxide powders produced by Ulba Metallurgical Plant (UMP) for use in Japanese nuclear plants.
