Orano Mining Shifts Strategy to Uzbekistan Following Loss of Niger Uranium Assets
Orano Mining has signed a trilateral agreement with Uzbekistan’s Navoiuran and Japan’s ITOCHU to develop the Jongeldy uranium deposit, a strategic move following France’s loss of rights to uranium mining in Niger. With an investment of $214 million projected over three years, this project aims to boost Uzbekistan’s uranium production and strengthen its role in the global market. The agreement also reflects ongoing international cooperation amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes.
Orano Mining, in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s Navoiuran and Japan’s ITOCHU, has formalized a trilateral agreement to initiate uranium mining at the Jongeldy deposit. Signed on March 10, 2025, in Paris, this agreement also aims to expedite geological explorations of other joint ventures, thereby enhancing Uzbekistan’s uranium production capabilities. Given its position as a leading global producer, this cooperation could significantly bolster Uzbekistan’s status in the uranium market.
The Jongeldy project will see an investment of $214 million over three years, with foreign companies comprising the primary investors and Navoiuran acting as the project operator. This structure seeks to lower production costs and effectively incorporate mining functions with existing infrastructure. The expected annual uranium output is around 500 tonnes, with peak figures potentially reaching 700 tonnes annually from South Jongeldy.
A joint venture named Nurlikum Mining will be formed, including ITOCHU, further indicating the project’s global investment appeal. This development arises as Orano Mining shifts its focus toward Uzbekistan following the loss of its mining assets in Niger, which stems from political changes in the region.
The World Nuclear Association reports that Niger, which accounted for 3.47% of the world’s uranium in 2022, has seen Orano losing a substantial amount of its sourcing capacity of around 1,200 tonnes, emphasizing the urgency for new projects. Consequently, initiatives in Central Asia are now a priority for Orano, as they establish a foundation for further growth and exploration.
The Jongeldy deposit is part of a broader strategic framework established in 2022 between Orano and the Uzbek government, demonstrating a long-term commitment to advancing uranium extraction capabilities. Additionally, recent meetings between Orano Chairwoman Claude Imauven and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev have solidified intentions to enhance cooperation in this field.
Moreover, Orano Mining continues to explore opportunities in other nations, securing a preliminary agreement in Mongolia and announcing plans for small-scale mining operations in Uzbekistan. This trilateral agreement signifies a critical advancement for Uzbekistan’s uranium sector, promising increased production and reinforcing its market presence while offering Japan secure uranium supply channels.
The trilateral agreement between Orano Mining, Navoiuran, and ITOCHU marks a transformative step for Uzbekistan’s uranium industry amid geopolitical changes affecting France’s access to resources. This initiative aims at substantial investments to enhance production capacity and establish Uzbekistan as a pivotal player in the global uranium market. As Orano adapts to its shifting geopolitical reality, the collaboration with Uzbekistan introduces fresh pathways for growth and international partnerships in uranium mining.
Original Source: news.az
