KazAtomProm Nuclear Company and Russia’s TVEL buy into the Ural Electrochemical Plant

Kazakhstan’s KazAtomProm Nuclear Company has entered the Ural Electrochemical Plant through its stake in the Center for Uranium Enrichment [a JV in partnership with Russia], RIA Novosti reports. The decision was taken back in 2010. “Before the end of the year the Center for Uranium Enrichment is to secure its first commercial supply of 300 000 SWU. The JV can provide uranium enrichment services worth up to 5 million SWU”, according to TVEL [Russian nuclear fuel cycle company that owns 50% in the JV]. The project is part of the interstate program on joint use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes approved back in 2006. The project envisages creating a new enrichment facility capable of enriching uranium worth 5 million SWU based on the Angarsk Integrated Electrolysis Chemical Plant. KazAtomProm, including its stakes in other companies, produced a total of 11 900 tons in 2012 (over 20% of global production). In 2011 the Company produced 11 079 tons. The uranium production output in Kazakhstan made up 20 900 tons in 2012. In 2011 the country’s share in global uranium supplies stood at 35%.