January 27, 2025, 14:51 / Astana, Kazakhstan
Kazatomprom, the world’s largest producer of uranium, announced a 10% increase in its production of uranium oxide (U3O8) in 2024, reaching 23,270 tonnes.
The company attributed this growth to an expansion of its mining plans in accordance with its agreements for exploration and resource use rights. However, despite the rise in production, Kazatomprom’s sales declined by 8% to 16,670 tonnes in 2024, as the company prioritized supplying its subsidiary Uranium Mining & Fuel Company (“Ulbas-TVS”) with uranium for the production of nuclear fuel assemblies (NFAs).
The average selling price of uranium increased significantly by 27% to $69.72 per pound in 2024 compared to $55.09 per pound in 2023, fueled by higher spot uranium prices. Spot prices averaged $85.24 per pound in 2024, a 36% increase from $62.51 per pound in 2023.
Ulbas-TVS Expansion:
Ulbas-TVS, a joint venture between Kazatomprom and Chinese company CGNPC-URC, reached its projected production capacity of 200 tonnes of NFAs per year in early January. The company aims to potentially increase production to 400 tonnes per year with a two-shift operation. All NFAs produced by Ulbas-TVS are destined for use in nuclear power plants in China.
Mining Stoppage Resumes:
Kazatomprom also announced the resumption of uranium mining at the Inkai joint venture (60% Kazatomprom, 40% Cameco) after a temporary suspension in January. The suspension was due to a delay in receiving the necessary documentation from relevant authorities to continue mining operations at the Inkai, Block 1.
2025 Production Expectations:
For 2025, Kazatomprom expects to produce 25,000 to 26,500 tonnes of uranium, with sales estimated between 17,500 and 18,500 tonnes. The company acknowledges that the production levels of some mining sites may be influenced by revisions to their resource use agreements.
The company intends to release its financial outlook for 2025 as part of its 2024 financial performance analysis. Kazatomprom produces about 20% of global uranium demand.
The market has yet to react to Kazatomprom’s production data release. As of the article’s publication, shares of the uranium producer on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) were trading at 19,842.88 tenge, down 0.54%. As of October 1, 62.99% of Kazatomprom’s shares were owned by Samruk-Kazyna, 24.32% by CITINAK, NA.-NY (F/B/O DR HOLDERS, nominee holder), and 12.01% by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
