China replaces Russia in Kazakh uranium mines

AFP | Almaty, Kazakhstan

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Russia’s nuclear giant Rosatom is selling stakes in its uranium mining operations in Kazakhstan to Chinese companies, reflecting Beijing's growing influence in Central Asia, according to a statement by Kazakhstan's leading uranium company, Kazatomprom.

Kazatomprom, the world’s largest uranium producer, announced the exit of its Russian partner from several joint ventures. Rosatom’s subsidiary, Uranium One Group, has sold 49.99% of its shares in Kazakhstan to Astana Mining Company, which is owned by China’s State Nuclear Uranium Resources Development (SNPTC). Kazatomprom retains its 49.99% stake in the venture.

Additionally, Uranium One Group is expected to sell 30% of its stakes in Khorasan-U and Kyzylkum LLP to China Uranium Development Company, which is ultimately owned by China General Nuclear Power Corporation.

“The company welcomes new partners and wishes success in joint work,” Kazatomprom stated. Kazakhstan is the world’s leading uranium producer, accounting for 43% of global output in 2022, with a total production of 21,227 tonnes, according to the World Nuclear Association.

The replacement of Rosatom by Chinese companies highlights Beijing’s rising presence in former Soviet republics in Central Asia and Moscow’s diminishing influence in the region.

Kazatomprom also announced the launch of a large-scale exploration program to identify new uranium deposits. The company has received licenses to explore four sites, which are estimated to hold total reserves exceeding 180,000 tonnes of uranium.