PARIS, July 04, 2025 — On July 3, KATCO mining company and its shareholders, Orano and NAC Kazatomprom JSC, celebrated the inauguration of the new uranium processing plant that marks the successful implementation of the South Tortkuduk project and the full commencement of operations at the uranium mining site. The ceremony took place in the presence of representatives of the Kazakhstani authorities, the ambassador of France to Kazakhstan and local communities.
South Tortkuduk holding significant reserves of 46,000 tons is a part of the Muyunkum uranium deposit already exploited by KATCO JV in the south of Kazakhstan.
Production from the South Tortkuduk plot will gradually replace the currently exploited territories and will allow KATCO JV to extend its production for years to come. KATCO’s return to the full production level of 4,000 tons per year is expected in 2026.
The South Tortkuduk site, representing an overall investment of $190 million, has been designed in accordance with leading international practices, with a focus on reducing environmental impact – including a smaller carbon footprint – and enhancing operational performance, to enable faster and more efficient mining operations.
The mine will be operated, as is the case with the existing mines, using ISR1 technology and will draw on the expertise of KATCO’s teams who have developed and operated one of the largest ISR mines in the world.
The project was delivered on schedule, within a tight three-year timeframe and with an excellent safety record.
Xavier Saint Martin Tillet, senior executive vice president of the Orano Mining Business Unit, declared: “This project showcases the successful partnership between Orano and Kazatomprom, with its development supported by the technical and environmental initiatives outlined in the cooperation memorandum signed between our two companies in November 2022. The successful completion of the South Tortkuduk project underlines KATCO JV’s positioning as one of the largest ISR uranium mining operations in the world producing 7% of the world’s uranium, indispensable for powering nuclear electricity production and fighting climate change. My congratulations to KATCO teams and Orano experts who contributed to delivering this modern uranium mine on-time and in safety.”
Meirzhan Yussupov, Kazatomprom’s CEO, emphasised: “The launch of the processing plant at the South Tortkuduk site marks a significant milestone not only for KATCO, but also for the entire nuclear industry of Kazakhstan. This milestone bolsters Kazatomprom’s position as a world leader in uranium mining and confirms our country’s growing role in ensuring global energy security and the transition to a carbon-free future. I would like to especially highlight the professionalism of Kazakh specialists directly involved in the construction of this plant and congratulate our French colleagues on the successful implementation of the project. This is the result of a long-term strategic partnership between Kazatomprom and Orano, built on mutual trust, knowledge sharing, and shared commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.”