Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency urges Kazatomprom to speed up uranium exploration

ASTANA. Feb 11 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency has urged National Atomic Company Kazatomprom to speed up uranium exploration.

Almassadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency, discussed replenishing uranium reserves with representatives of Kazatomprom, the agency's press service said. Building the resource potential was discussed, as were sites where geological exploration is being conducted.

"Satkaliyev outlined priorities: replenishing reserves and transparency in development. Following the meeting, the agency chairman issued specific instructions to ensure the rational and integrated use of subsoil resources and to accelerate the pace of geological exploration," the statement said.

He said expanding the resource base was key to securing domestic uranium raw materials for the long-term needs of Kazakhstan's nuclear power industry.

Kazakhstan plans to build several nuclear power plants. The first will be built by Rosatom; construction of the plant will take approximately 11 years and could be completed in 2035-2036. Research work near the village of Ulken on Lake Balkhash began on August 8, 2025.

On January 26, 2026, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov signed a decision to build a second nuclear power plant - it is planned to be constructed in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region.

National Atomic Company Kazatomprom JSC is the national operator of the Republic of Kazakhstan for export of uranium and its compounds, rare metals, nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants, special equipment, technologies and dual-use materials. Kazatomprom is controlled by Kazakhstan's Sovereign Wealth Fund Samruk-Kazyna JSC (62.99%) and Ministry of Finance (12.01%), the remaining 25% are in free float.

Kazatomprom boosted uranium production 11% in 2025 to 25,839 tonnes. It plans to mine 27,500-29,000 tonnes in 2026.