During the second Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris, Emmanuel Macron called on Kazakhstan to increase uranium exports to the European Union.
The French president said additional supplies would help Europe meet its goal of expanding nuclear fuel production as part of its long-term energy strategy.
Read also: Kazakhstan holds enough uranium for 60 years of nuclear power.
Kazakhstan is the world’s largest uranium producer. In 2025, the country produced about 26,000 tons of uranium, roughly 40% of global supply.
Kazakh-French joint venture to boost production
Production is expected to increase further through the joint venture KATCO, which is owned 51% by Orano Mining of France and 49% by Kazatomprom, Kazakhstan’s national nuclear company.
According to project documents previously released for public hearings, the company plans to mine about 4,000 tons of uranium annually starting in 2026 at the Moiynkum deposit in the Sozak district of the Turkestan region.
In 2024, production at the site did not exceed about 2,400 tons.
Supply disruptions after Niger coup
France has long been among the largest buyers of Kazakh uranium. The country’s interest in expanding imports increased after the 2023 Niger coup d’état.
Read also: West faces nuclear fuel squeeze as Kazakh uranium giant warns of shortages.
Following the military takeover in Niger, Orano lost access to uranium supplies from the African nation. As a result, the company has been seeking additional sources of uranium from Kazakhstan and other countries.
