ASTANA – Kazakhstan has signed new contracts to supply natural uranium to major energy companies in India and China in 2026, as the country seeks to expand its international partnerships and diversify uranium sales markets, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was informed during a Nov.
4 meeting with Kazatomprom CEO Meirzhan Yusupov. From L to R: Kazatomprom CEO Meirzhan Yusupov and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo credit: Akorda. According to the presidential press service, Yusupov briefed Tokayev on the company’s current operations and progress in implementing its strategic priorities, including efforts to establish a state strategic uranium reserve.
Kazatomprom is currently conducting geological exploration at six sites covering a combined area of more than 1,000 square kilometers. The company also plans to begin exploration at the prospective Kyzyltu site, which covers 124 square kilometers. The company is strengthening its position in international markets by expanding cooperation with major players in the global nuclear industry and diversifying its customer base.
The new contracts with Indian and Chinese energy companies mark a further step in this effort. Yusupov also briefed Tokayev on Kazatomprom’s activities across the nuclear fuel cycle and its plans under the company’s 2025–2034 development strategy. The company is also working to strengthen its scientific and technological capabilities.
Its research focuses on improving uranium production efficiency and developing technologies to recover rare and rare-earth metals as by-products of uranium production. In addition to its industrial activities, Kazatomprom allocated more than 13 billion tenge (US$28.6 million) in 2026 to social infrastructure projects in healthcare, education and sports as part of the nationwide construction program.
Following the meeting, Tokayev issued instructions on further developing the country’s uranium resource base, expanding international cooperation and implementing social initiatives.