Kazatomprom estimates Inkai-2 deposit's uranium reserves at 42,000 tonnes

ASTANA. Aug 25 (Interfax) - The reserves of the Inkai-2 uranium deposit in Kazakhstan are estimated at 42,000 tonnes, with the final figure to be known after exploration ends in 2024, Kazatomprom Managing Director for Production Aliya Akzholova said.

"The Inkai-2 exploration project is ongoing. Next year, we plan to finalize the calculation of the reserves. As of today, we have booked reserves of 42,000 tonnes of uranium, but the final figure will be announced next year, as the exploration project is due for completion at the end of 2024," Akzholova said at a Friday briefing.

The Inkai uranium field, discovered in 1976, is located in the Suzak district of the Turkestan region in Kazakhstan. Uranium mining using in-situ leaching at the Inkai-1 deposit is being conducted by JV Inkai LLP, whose participants are Cameco with 40% and Kazatomprom with 60%. Section 1 contains 148,000 tonnes of uranium.

The Inkai-4 deposit is being developed by another Kazatomprom joint venture, JV Southern Mining and Chemical Company LLP. The Inkai-2 and -3 deposits are at the exploration stage, Kazatomprom's annual report says.