Information report on 60th Anniversary of Ulba Plant Beryllium Production Facility
20.05.2011Ust-Kamenogorsk
On May 20 the beryllium production facility of Ulba Metallurgical Plant JSC (UMP) (Kazatomprom subsidiary) is celebrating its 60 anniversary.
On May 20 the beryllium production facility of Ulba Metallurgical Plant JSC (UMP) (Kazatomprom subsidiary) is celebrating its 60 anniversary.
Today UMP is one of the three fully integrated beryllium producers in the world: from processing of beryllium concentrate up to producing of the finished products with specified quality characteristics.
Ulba beryllium satisfies the third part of the world market demand. Ulba has established the close contacts with their permanent partners in USA and Europe. Ulba together with Russian Federation established the joint venture - BerylliUm. The plant is taking active measures in promoting its beryllium products on Japan and China markets. In 2004 the plant founded the subsidiary in the free trade zone in China - Ulba-China Co., Ltd. In 2008 the first production facilities were put into operation at Yingtan Ulba Shine Metal Materials JV established together with the Chinese partner in China. The joint venture produces rolled products of beryllium alloys.
Beryllium products and alloys are used in electronics and communications, machine building, gas and oil industry.
Vladimir Shkolnik, the Chairman of Kazatomprom Board, noted in his speech when addressing to the metallurgists on the occasion of this outstanding event, that: «Ulba beryllium holds a firm place at the world market and continuously strengthen its position. Kazatomprom is proud to have as its subsidiary such a science-driven company with professional employees who can solve any set tasks and targets».
On the occasion of this jubilee many veterans and workers of beryllium production facility were given by Kazatomprom Chairman the letters of thanks.
Yuri Shakhvorostov, Acting Chairman of Ulba plant, who himself devoted to beryllium more than quarter of century handed to some beryllium specialists the Certificates of Honor of UMP and Kazatomprom. 15 metallurgists were awarded with the Title of Plant Veteran.
Reference
In the mid 60's the commercial production of metallic beryllium and its products was established at UMP. They were used in military purpose and in nuclear energy industry, as well as during the space program implementation. For example, a number of parts of the famous lunar surface vehicle –Buran legendary space shuttle, were produced using beryllium. Ust-Kamenogorsk beryllium serves as a neutron reflector in nuclear reactors and is used in aviation and mechanical engineering.
The UMP specialists were awarded by the State Prize of the USSR for the development of metallic beryllium production technologies and creation of a new ceramic material to meet demands of electronic engineering, and the Prize of the Council of Ministers for development of beryllium-based alloy castings for aerospace engineering.
With the support of the Government and the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the beryllium production was revived after the crisis of the 90s, and now is being actively developed. In July of 2000 production of beryllium ingots was restarted at UMP. At the same time the plant commenced the activities, aimed at production of new products, which comply with contemporary consumer needs.
Beryllium bronze production capacities were established in a relatively short time. In May, 2002 the facility for production of copper-beryllium hardener by carbothermal method was launched. The technologies currently used in beryllium production allow manufacturing of a series of different products with unique properties. In particular, there is an opportunity to set up production of beryllium-based component parts for the international research nuclear-fusion reactor, which is being developed by joint efforts of the industrialized countries.
The International Beryllium Conference-2009 was deemed as recognition of leading positions of Ulba Metallurgical Plant and a whole country in the beryllium industry. The Conference was held under the auspices of Kazatomprom and UMP.
Ulba Metallurgical Plant JSC is one of the recognized world leaders in fabrication of fuel pellets from uranium dioxide for nuclear power plants and the products containing beryllium, tantalum and niobium. The plant forms a part of National Atomic Company Kazatomprom.
UMP JSC Press Service
+8(3272)29-84-12
NAC KAZATOMPROM JSC is a national operator of the Republic of Kazakhstan for import and export of uranium and its compounds, rare metals, nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants, special equipment, technologies and dual-use materials. The Company’s main activities include geological exploration, uranium production, output of nuclear fuel cycle products, construction of reactors and nuclear power plants, non-ferrous metallurgy and production of construction materials, power industry, science, social welfare and personnel training. At present, over 25,000 people are employed by the Company. Kazatomprom is one of the top uranium world producers.
NAC KAZATOMPROM JSC is a national operator of the Republic of Kazakhstan for import and export of uranium and its compounds, rare metals, nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants, special equipment, technologies and dual-use materials. The Company’s main activities include geological exploration, uranium production, output of nuclear fuel cycle products, construction of reactors and nuclear power plants, non-ferrous metallurgy and production of construction materials, power industry, science, social welfare and personnel training. At present, over 25,000 people are employed by the Company. Kazatomprom is one of the top uranium world producers.
Public Relations,
NAC Kazatomprom JSC
+7 /727/ 244 62 54
