KATCO, a joint venture of France’s Orano and Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom, has begun full operations at the South Tortkuduk uranium mining site. This launch marks the completion of the uranium processing plant and the overall South Tortkuduk project.
The event featured officials from Kazakhstan, the French ambassador, and local community members. This milestone marks a new chapter for uranium mining in the area. It also shows the need for global teamwork in energy security.
KATCO Takes a Major Step Forward in Sustainable Uranium Mining
KATCO was formed in 1996 through a partnership between Orano, a French nuclear fuel company, and Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom. Orano owns 51 percent, while Kazatomprom holds 49 percent. Over time, KATCO has become a key player in Kazakhstan’s uranium sector.
The company operates in the Sozak district of Turkestan, developing, mining, and processing uranium at the Tortkuduk and Muyunkum sites.
KATCO aims to set a global standard in uranium mining by prioritizing safety, sustainability, and technical excellence.
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South Tortkuduk Unlocks 46,000 Tons of Uranium Potential
The new uranium plant is part of the South Tortkuduk expansion, located between existing mining zones. This site has about 46,000 metric tons of uranium reserves. Production is expected to gradually replace current mining areas, ensuring steady output for the next decade.
In August 2022, KATCO received the mining license for South Tortkuduk. The company invested $190 million to develop the site, following global best practices to reduce environmental impact and enhance efficiency.
Despite tight deadlines, the project was completed in just three years. It maintained a strong safety record, showing the team’s commitment to responsible mining. The mine will use advanced in-situ recovery (ISR) technology, which is already in use at KATCO’s other sites.
- By 2026, KATCO aims to reach its full production level of 4,000 tons of uranium each year.
The ISR Edge: Mining with Care for the Environment
KATCO uses in-situ recovery (ISR), a cost-effective and environmentally friendly mining method. This technique is now the global standard for uranium extraction. It makes up over 50 percent of production.
ISR is effective because it avoids traditional open-pit or underground mining. The steps include:
- Injecting a special solution into uranium-rich rock through wells.
- This solution breaks down uranium underground. Then, it’s pumped to the surface for processing.
- Uranium is separated, purified, and packaged. The solution, now without uranium, is then reinjected into the ground.
- This creates a closed-loop system with minimal environmental disruption.
ISR mining does not produce waste rock or tailings, and its surface impact is low. It’s also more affordable for lower-grade uranium deposits. This is why ISR is favored in Kazakhstan, where such deposits are common.
Kazakhstan’s Power Play: Leading the World in Uranium Production
Kazakhstan leads the global uranium market due to its rich reserves and extensive use of ISR technology. The country is the largest uranium producer in the world.
According to ResearchAndMarkets, global uranium production is set to rise by 2.6 percent in 2025, reaching 62.2 kilotons. This comes after a strong 12.4 percent increase in 2024. Despite some setbacks, including temporary halts at major mines like Inkai, Kazakhstan supplied 38.1 percent of the world’s uranium in 2024.
Other top producers, like Canada, Australia, and Namibia, are also expected to see modest growth. Meanwhile, the United States is slowly increasing its uranium output as policy shifts favor nuclear energy.
Despite global fluctuations, Kazakhstan’s use of ISR technology keeps its uranium production efficient and stable.
Uranium: The Fuel Behind the Net-Zero Future
Uranium is crucial for the global energy transition. It powers nuclear energy, generating about 10 percent of the world’s electricity with almost no carbon emissions.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects nuclear power generation will grow by about 3 percent annually through 2026. A record high in nuclear output is expected by 2025. By 2050, nuclear capacity could double to 647 gigawatts, requiring around 100,000 metric tons of uranium each year.
Most of this demand will come from fast-growing economies like China and India. These countries are building over half of the world’s new nuclear reactors, which are driving uranium demand.
Source: Sprott (UxC and Cameco Corp. Data as of 9/30/2024)
KATCO’s Role in a Low-Carbon World
With the launch of the South Tortkuduk project and continued use of ISR technology, KATCO secures a long-term uranium supply for Kazakhstan and France. Its role is becoming increasingly important in a low-carbon world with the rise in demand for clean energy resources.
Its focus on responsible mining, community involvement, and sustainable practices makes it a leader in the global uranium industry.
All in all, by blending technical innovation with environmental responsibility, KATCO can power the future with its vast uranium potential.
