Uzbekistan’s Navoiyuran and France’s Orano have signed an agreement to develop the Yuzhny Jengeldy uranium deposit. This collaboration involves a projected investment of $214 million and aims for a minimum 10 years of uranium production, with annual output peaking at 700 metric tons. The partnership emphasizes sustainability, technological innovation, and community support, aligning with broader strategies to enhance uranium supply chains.
Uzbekistan’s state-owned enterprise, Navoiyuran, and the French firm Orano have entered into a substantial agreement aimed at developing the Yuzhny Jengeldy uranium deposit. This accord, signed on March 11 during the Uzbek-French business forum in Paris, entails significant investments and long-term cooperation in mining operations, focusing on environmental standards and community support.
The agreement allows for joint exploration and uranium extraction, promising at least 10 years of production at the Yuzhny Jengeldy site, with expected peak output of 700 metric tons annually. Such collaboration is designed to optimize production processes by integrating with Navoiyuran’s existing facilities while managing production costs effectively.
Navoiyuran’s general director, Jamal Faizullaev, and Orano’s senior vice president for mining, Xavier Saint Martin Tillet, formalized this partnership, which will also embrace innovative mining technologies and knowledge sharing. The Yuzhny Jengeldy project will operate under the Nurlikum Mining joint venture, which includes a balanced stake between Orano and Uzbekistan’s State Committee for Geology.
The initial investment is forecasted to reach $214 million over three years, producing an estimated average of 500 tons of uranium annually. This agreement is part of broader cooperation efforts initiated by a strategic framework between the Uzbek government and Orano signed in 2022, with plans for extensive development in the region.
Minister of mining and geology, Bobir Islamov, announced Orano’s intentions to invest up to $500 million in uranium mining and processing in Uzbekistan, particularly focusing on geological exploration at two new sites. Navoiyuran stands as the world’s fifth-largest uranium producer, playing a vital role in supplying nuclear fuel while contributing significantly to the country’s economy as a top taxpayer.
France is actively pursuing uranium supplies from Central Asia, as nuclear energy is critical to its energy infrastructure, aiming to minimize dependence on Russian imports. The strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and France underscores a commitment to enhancing uranium resource management in a sustainable manner.
In conclusion, the cooperation agreement between Uzbekistan’s Navoiyuran and France’s Orano marks a significant advancement in uranium mining and development. This partnership stems from a broader strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the uranium supply chain and fostering investment in sustainable mining practices. The projected outcomes, including substantial financial investments and increased uranium production, underscore the importance of this collaboration for both nations. Furthermore, France’s interest in diversifying its uranium sources indicates a strong reliance on Central Asia for future energy needs.
Original Source: www.gazeta.uz
