Roberto Abraham Scaruffi: Chinese equity in Kazakh uranium mines confirmed

Friday 21 November 2008

Chinese equity in Kazakh uranium mines confirmed

New agreements between Kazatomprom and both major Chinese nuclear companies establish cooperation in uranium mining, fabrication of nuclear fuel for power reactors, long-term trade of natural uranium, generation of nuclear electricity and construction of nuclear power facilities. In uranium mining, CGNPC through its subsidiary, Sino-Kazakhstan Uranium Resources Investment Co, is to become a 49% joint venture partner in two mines: Irkol and Semizbay, while CNNC becomes a 49% joint venture partner in Zhalpak, following approval from China's high-level National Development and Reform Commission. Eventually the uranium from Kazakhstan will be supplied to China as fabricated fuel. Areva, Cameco, Uranium One, Russia's ARMZ and Japanese companies all have some equity in Kazakh uranium mines.