UMP demonstrated its capabilities in production of nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants

During a press tour journalists from regional and national media got acquainted with the key stages of nuclear fuel production at Ulba Metallurgical Plant.

Journalists visited the UMP’s uranium production and familiarized themselves with the process of manufacturing uranium fuel pellets, which are the basis for fuel assemblies (“FA”), used in nuclear reactors. They also visited Ulba-FA LLP’s plant. Here, during the excursion, they were demonstrated the main stages of FA production, which are currently being supplied to the partners from China.

Asset Makhambetov, Managing Director for the Nuclear Fuel Cycle of NAC Kazatomprom JSC, noted: “Kazakhstan ranks second in the world in natural uranium reserves, trailing only to Australia. Our country owns about 13% of the deposits of this valuable resource and since 2009 has confidently maintained leadership in the world market, providing about 40% of global uranium production”.

He also emphasized that Ulba Metallurgical Plant is the flagship of the nuclear industry of Kazakhstan, with a rich history, advanced technologies and highly qualified personnel. The plant for the production of fuel assemblies was launched at UMP at the end of 2021. Thus, we already have domestic high-tech production of finished fuel for nuclear power plants.

Sergei Bezhetsky, CEO of UMP, said while welcoming journalists: “If the issue of constructing a nuclear power plant is resolved positively, UMP could provide it with its own nuclear fuel. The plant currently produces the French AFA3G design fuel assemblies. If this fuel option is in demand at the station, we will simply increase production volumes. UMP will be able to produce fuel pellets, i.e. components for the production of fuel assemblies even if a different format is chosen.”

The CEO of UMP also noted that the plantwith more than 4,000 employees, has accumulated 70 years of experience in working with uranium and has a serious scientific and production base. If necessary, the company’s employees are ready to share knowledge and practical skills with nuclear specialists.

Kazatomprom and UMP strive to further strengthen their positions at the global market and are ready to support any initiatives to develop nuclear energy in Kazakhstan. Their knowledge and experience are key elements facing new challenges.

• Ulba Metallurgical Plant JSC is one of the world's recognized manufacturers of uranium, beryllium, tantalum and niobium products for the needs of nuclear energy, electronics, metallurgical industries and other fields of activity.

• Ulba-FA LLP is a joint venture of UMP JSC and a subsidiary of the Chinese Guangdong Nuclear Energy Corporation – China General Nuclear Power Corporation.

• NAC Kazatomprom JSC is the world's largest uranium producer with natural uranium production in proportion to the company's participation shares, amounting to about 20% of the total global primary uranium production in 2023. The Group has the largest uranium reserve base in the industry. Kazatomprom, together with its subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures, is developing 26 deposits, united into 14 uranium mining enterprises. All uranium mining enterprises are located on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan and when extracting uranium, they use in-situ recovery technology, which is the safest and most environmentally friendly method of uranium mining and has one of the lowest production costs in the industry.