Orano Mining has partnered with Navoiuran and ITOCHU to develop Uzbekistan’s Jongeldy uranium deposit, marking a significant advancement in the country’s uranium industry. The project includes a $214 million investment with expected production of 500-700 tonnes annually. This agreement emerges after Orano’s loss of assets in Niger, shifting focus towards Central Asia as a crucial partner for uranium supply.
France’s Orano Mining has collaborated with Uzbekistan’s Navoiuran and Japan’s ITOCHU to launch uranium extraction activities at the Jongeldy deposit. Signed on March 10, 2025, in Paris, this trilateral agreement aims to develop the deposit and enhance geological exploration efforts in joint projects, signifying a pivotal advancement in Uzbekistan’s uranium industry.
Uzbekistan stands as one of the top five uranium producers globally. This partnership with prominent international firms like Orano Mining and ITOCHU is intended to bolster Uzbekistan’s position in this crucial sector, promoting industry expansion, increased production, and attracting foreign investments.
The initial investment phase for the Jongeldy deposit development is valued at $214 million over three years, with international investors leading the funding. Navoiuran will operate the project to streamline costs and leverage existing infrastructure, with anticipated average annual uranium production reaching 500 tonnes and peak production at South Jongeldy forecasted to be 700 tonnes annually.
A joint venture called Nurlikum Mining will be set up for the project, allowing ITOCHU a stake, reflecting the international investment nature of the initiative. This collaboration is vital for enhancing the viability of the uranium project in Uzbekistan following Orano’s loss of mining assets in Niger due to political changes.
Niger was ranked seventh in global uranium production by the World Nuclear Association in 2022, contributing 3.47% to the global supply. Orano previously extracted about 1,200 tonnes from Niger, but with these assets now lost, projects in Central Asia have become a priority.
The development of the Jongeldy deposit is part of a larger cooperation agreement between Navoiuran and Orano, initiated in 2022. In November 2023, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Orano Chairwoman Claude Imauven to discuss deepening collaboration in uranium exploration and extraction.
Further, Orano is increasing its activities outside of Uzbekistan as well, having signed a preliminary agreement in December 2024 with Mongolia for developing the Zoovch-Ovoo deposit and pursuing a small-scale mining operation in Uzbekistan as announced by Orano CEO Nicolas Maes in February 2025.
The trilateral agreement is a significant step forward for Uzbekistan’s uranium sector, promising to enhance uranium production and solidify its international standing. Amidst geopolitical changes and loss of African assets for Orano, Uzbekistan emerges as a vital ally, with the agreement also facilitating Japan’s efforts to secure stable uranium supplies. Future collaborations and investments in Uzbekistan’s uranium industry are anticipated.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Orano Mining, Navoiuran, and ITOCHU marks a critical juncture in boosting Uzbekistan’s uranium sector. With significant investments planned and the establishment of a joint venture for production, this agreement is poised to enhance production capabilities. In light of Orano’s loss of assets in Niger, Uzbekistan becomes a strategic partner, also offering opportunities for Japan to secure its uranium supply. Continuous investments and deeper cooperation in this sector can be expected moving forward.
Original Source: news.az
