State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom (ROSATOM) is a diversified holding company that combines assets in the energy, mechanical engineering, and construction sectors. Its strategy is to develop low-carbon generation, including wind power. The Rosatom State Corporation is a national leader in electricity production (about 20% of total output) and ranks first in the world in terms of the largest portfolio of orders for the construction of nuclear power plants: 33 power units are at various stages of implementation in 10 countries. Rosatom is the only company in the world that has competencies in the entire technological chain of the nuclear fuel cycle, from the extraction of natural uranium to the final stage of the life cycle of nuclear facilities. Its scope of activity also includes the production of innovative nuclear and non-nuclear products, scientific research, development of the Northern Sea Route and environmental projects, including the creation of eco-technoparks and a state system for the management of hazardous industrial waste.
Joint enterprises of Uranium One Group (international mining company of ROSATOM, included in the management network of TENEX) and National Atomic Company Kazatomprom JSC are extracting uranium at seven uranium mines, located at the territory of Kazakhstan.
Republic of Kazakhstan
Nuclear industry
E
Since 1970s
-
In Situ Recovery (ISR) Mining is considered globally as the most environmentally friendly and safe method: "It is generally recognized that in situ leach (ISL) uranium mining technology has environmental and safety advantages as compared to conventional mining and milling" as stated in the IAEA Guidebook on environmental impact assessment for in situ leach mining projects.
The main goal of the project is sustainable raw material supply for the nuclear industry.
Republic of Kazakhstan
Regional authorities
Local communities
Foreign clients
ISR mining entails a range of activities: preparatory mining operation - establishment of injection wells, preparation of magistral and interblock pipe system, injection of the acid solution - uranium leaching liquor; pumping the “pregnant”, or uranium‐bearing, solution to the suface and to then to the treatment plant whre the uranium is recovered.
ISR mining method is used in Kazakhstan since 1970s. Enterprises with participation of the Uranium One Group apply this mehtods at the Kazakh mines since the start of their operation (since 2000s).
The Kazakh uranium-bearing solution processed with the use of this technology provides more than 40% of the global nuclear sector consumption and is supplied to all countries where the NPPs are operated. In 2022 more than 30 thousand tonnes of uranium were extracted with the use of ISR mining technology, 70% of which were extracted in Kazakhstan.
-
-
