Kazatomprom, a Kazakhstani producer of uranium, held talks with Romania’s state-owned SN Nuclearelectrica S.A. in a bid to expand its supply of natural uranium for the needs of the Romanian nuclear industry under a 10-year contract. Moreover, the Ulba Metallurgical Plant (UMP), a Kazatomprom subsidiary, may begin processing Romanian beryllium, the company said in a statement on its website.
Kazatomprom expects that the contract will strengthen the long-term partnership between the two countries and ensure a reliable supply of raw materials for Romania’s existing and planned nuclear power plants.
The parties also discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in the beryllium sector. In particular, Romanian representatives expressed their interest in scientific and technological collaboration with UMP, as well as in further exploration of the potential for beryllium ore processing. Romania has several deposits of this precious metal, whereas UMP specializes in processing beryllium and tantalum ores.
According to Kazatomprom’s 2024 annual report, the company produced 12,300 tons of uranium last year, a 10% increase compared to 11,100 tons in 2023 and 11,400 tons in 2022. Key contributors to this growth were JV Budyonovskoye, JV Akbastau and the Karatau company.
At the same time, beryllium production decreased in 2024 to 735.1 tons, down from 842.8 tons in 2023 and 1,295.4 tons in 2022. Tantalum production also declined, reaching 135.1 tons in 2024, compared to 153.8 tons in 2023 and 165.3 tons in 2022. UMP is engaged in the production and export of both products worldwide.
Kazatomprom’s 2024 financial statement indicated earnings totaling approximately $3.5 billion, up from $2.8 billion in 2023. Among the largest consumers of Kazakh uranium and related products last year were China, with $1.3 billion in imports ($1.02 billion in 2023); Kazakhstan ($660.5 million and $358.3 million, respectively); Russia ($496.8 million vs $421.9 million); Canada ($323.6 million and $257.2 million); the U.S. ($276.5 million and $299.2 million); France ($217.6 million and $162 million); the U.K. ($87.7 million and $79.6 million); and the United Arab Emirates ($57.5 million with no imports in 2023).
Other countries purchased Kazakhstani products worth approximately $135.8 million in 2024, down from $211.1 million in 2023. Romania did not appear on the list of Kazakhstan’s largest uranium consumers, but Kazatomprom exports its products to the country.
