Kazatomprom and the state-owned Jordan Uranium Mining Company (JUMCO) have signed a memorandum of cooperation. The document was signed during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's official visit to Jordan, as reported by a correspondent from the Kapital.kz business information center, citing the press service of the national company.
Meirzhan Yusupov, the Chairman of the Board of Kazatomprom, believes that the partnership with JUMCO opens up new opportunities for international collaboration.
“The potential exploration of projects outside Kazakhstan is a unique opportunity to gain global experience and contribute to the sustainable development of our countries,” he noted.
The companies will jointly explore uranium exploration and mining projects in Jordan, and then assess the feasibility of their further development.
It is explained that the plan includes clarifying the geological characteristics of the deposits and evaluating reserves, taking into account the application of heap leaching technologies. Special attention will be paid to issues of environmental sustainability and economic efficiency of the project, which will allow for a well-considered decision regarding its further implementation.
“This memorandum aims to develop joint uranium mining projects in Jordan and potentially allows JUMCO to accelerate its transition to commercial uranium production in collaboration with Kazatomprom. Moreover, it will open new opportunities for knowledge exchange, experience transfer, and joint marketing strategy utilization with Kazatomprom — the world leader in uranium production,” said Mohammad Al-Shanag, CEO of JUMCO.
The implementation of joint projects opens up prospects for the development of Jordan's nuclear industry, including job creation, infrastructure development, and the engagement of local contractors. For Kazakhstan, entering a new market could be a significant step in expanding its global presence, strengthening strategic positions, and enhancing bilateral economic ties with Jordan.
The companies are focused on long-term collaboration.
The participation of Kazatomprom in uranium projects in Jordan with JUMCO was agreed upon at the fifth meeting of the Kazakh-Jordanian intergovernmental commission at the end of 2024.
It is noteworthy that Kazatomprom and the Swiss company Axpo Power AG, together with Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG (KKL AG), have signed the first contract for the supply of Kazakh natural uranium concentrate for the Beznau and Leibstadt nuclear power plants in Switzerland.
In 2024, Kazatomprom produced 23,270 tons of uranium. This is a 10% increase compared to 2023, which amounted to 21,112 tons. Production volumes for Kazatomprom in 2025 are expected to be at the level of 25,000 – 26,500 tons of uranium and 13,000 – 14,000 tons of uranium, respectively, based on a 100% basis and proportionate to the share of participation.