The Orano nuclear fuel cycle group of France and Uzbekstan’s state committee on geology and mineral resources have formalised a joint venture for mineral and mining operations in Uzbekistan, a statement said.
The joint venture is called Nurlikum Mining with Orano holding 51% and and the Uzbek state 49%. The statement said mining and exploration would take place in the uranium-rich province of Kyzylkum.
“Once the exploration permits are granted, the first works in the field are planned to commence in the first half of 2020,” the statement said.
The joint venture is called Nurlikum Mining with Orano holding 51% and and the Uzbek state 49%. The statement said mining and exploration would take place in the uranium-rich province of Kyzylkum.
“Once the exploration permits are granted, the first works in the field are planned to commence in the first half of 2020,” the statement said.
The announcement of the formal agreement follows the signing of a partnership agreement in September 2019.
According to the Nuclear Energy Agency Izbekistan provides about 4% of the world’s uranium supply. It has 57,600 tonnnes of uranium (tU) in reasonably assured recoverable resources and a further 81,500tU inferred recoverable resources in sandstone and 32,900tU in black shale.
The NEA said exploration of sandstone deposits in the Central Kyzylkum area and black shale deposits in the Boztau area has identified additional resources to support mining.
