Orano Mining Redirects Focus to Uzbekistan’s Uranium Sector After Niger Loss

Orano Mining, Navoiuran, and ITOCHU signed a trilateral agreement on March 10, 2025, to develop uranium extraction at the Jongeldy deposit in Uzbekistan. The project involves a $214 million investment over three years, aiming to boost uranium production significantly. The move follows Orano’s loss of assets in Niger, propelling the company to seek alternatives in Central Asia.

On March 10, 2025, a significant trilateral agreement was established between France’s Orano Mining, Uzbekistan’s Navoiuran, and Japan’s ITOCHU for uranium extraction at the Jongeldy deposit. This collaboration signifies a progressive step in enhancing Uzbekistan’s uranium industry, focusing on geological exploration in addition to the deposit development. This partnership is expected to strengthen Uzbekistan’s position among the top global uranium producers.

Investment for the initial phase of the Jongeldy deposit development is anticipated to reach $214 million over a three-year span, with foreign companies leading the financial contributions. Navoiuran will operate the project, designed to lower production costs while integrating mining operations with the existing industrial framework. The project aims to achieve an annual uranium output of approximately 500 tonnes, peaking at 700 tonnes per year at South Jongeldy.

In light of the recent loss of uranium mining assets in Niger, where changes in leadership have diminished French companies’ prospects, Orano Mining is strategically redirecting its focus towards Central Asian assets, especially in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Namibia, and Canada. This pivot highlights the increasing importance of the region in the global uranium production landscape.

The Jongeldy deposit initiative is part of a broader collaboration between Navoiuran and Orano that commenced with a framework agreement signed in 2022. This partnership has garnered attention from government figures, including discussions between Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Orano Chairwoman Claude Imauven, emphasizing mutual interests in the uranium sector.

In addition to the Uzbek project, Orano Mining is expanding its reach globally, having signed preliminary agreements for developing uranium resources in Mongolia. The trilateral agreement involving Orano, Navoiuran, and ITOCHU marks a crucial advancement in Uzbekistan’s uranium industry, boosting production while enhancing the country’s global market position amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

The trilateral agreement between Orano Mining, Navoiuran, and ITOCHU for uranium extraction at the Jongeldy deposit represents a pivotal development in Uzbekistan’s uranium sector. With an initial investment of $214 million and strategic international partnerships, this project aims to significantly increase uranium production and solidify Uzbekistan’s role in the global market. Concurrently, Orano is exploring further mining opportunities abroad, showcasing the evolving landscape of uranium production in a changing geopolitical environment.

Original Source: news.az