Kazatomprom subsidiary to start exploring for tantalum, niobium, beryllium in Aktobe region

ALMATY. May 4 (Interfax) - The Ulba Metallurgical Plant, a subsidiary of Kazatomprom, has received a license to explore the Upper Irgiz deposit in the Aktobe region for solid minerals, the parent company's press service said.

The plant will conduct geological exploration of the subsoil at the site to assess and confirm the reserves and resources of rare metals tantalum, niobium and beryllium.

"The project will allow the nuclear holding to provide its existing production with its own mineral resource base, reduce the cost of final finished goods, increase economic efficiency and create new jobs," the statement says.

According to the press service, in order to create new types of products, improve technologies for the associated extraction of valuable components and organize high-tech industries, Kazatomprom has adopted a program of scientific and technological development in the field of rare and rare earth metals for 2022-2029. The associated document details measures to expand the resource base, develop and introduce new technologies, develop scientific research and innovative developments, as well as create a system for training highly qualified personnel.

"Implementation of these tasks will increase the competitiveness of the nuclear holding, allow it to obtain products with high added value, and create a high-tech industry of rare and rare earth metals in Kazakhstan," the company said.

Rare and rare earth metals and their compounds have unique properties and are widely used in various fields, including aviation, space technology and rocket science, the nuclear industry, medicine, instrumentation, electronics, mechanical engineering and metallurgy.

The Ulba Metallurgical Plant manufactures uranium, beryllium, tantalum and niobium products for the needs of the nuclear energy, electronics, and metallurgical industries, among others.

Kazatomprom is Kazakhstan's national operator for the export of uranium and its compounds, rare metals, nuclear fuel for nuclear power stations and special equipment.