Kazatomprom may boost uranium output to 30,000 tonnes per year
ASTANA. Oct 5 (Interfax) - Kazakh National Nuclear Company Kazatomprom may bring up uranium production up to 25,000-30,000 tonnes per year, if global market demand warrants this, said the company's vice president, Sergei Yashin.
"Today we have hit 20,000 tonnes, which is 33% of the global uranium production. We can ensure further growth to 25,000-30,000 tonnes of uranium, provided that the global market responds accordingly, and we are sure of our secure income and investments," he said at the 6th Kazenergy Forum in Astana on Wednesday.
"According to the revised forecast, the world will need the uranium production to increase by half by 2030.That raises the question who will ensure this increase? Kazakhstan is one of a few countries capable to increase uranium production rapidly," said Sergey Yashin. He also noted that as of today Kazakhstan has mined only 4.2% of the total uranium reserves available in the country.
Kazatomprom has revised the outlook for Kazakhstan's uranium production in 2011 to 19,900 tonnes. In 2010, uranium production in Kazakhstan reached 17,803 tonnes.
Kazatomprom is Kazakhstan's national operator for export of uranium and its compounds, rare metals, nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants, special equipment, technologies and dual use materials.
Kazatomprom, is one of the leading uranium producers, operating 21 uranium mines in Kazakhstan.