Volkovgeology

Volkovgeology JSC is the oldest enterprise in the structure of Kazatomprom with the Volkov expedition being established on January 1, 1948 by the Ministry of Geology of the USSR for prospecting and exploration of uranium ores, within the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to provide defense enterprises with mineral recourses and a raw material base.

Over its 60-year history Volkovgeology has discovered more than 40 uranium deposits in various regions of Kazakhstan and created one of the world’s largest mineral raw-material bases with total uranium reserves exceeding 1,5 million tonnes (19% of the world’s proved uranium reserves). 19 large and unique hydrogenous type uranium deposits, suitable for development by the cost-effective and environmentally friendly ISL method, form the foundation of this base.

At present, Volkovgeology JSC operates in the following directions:

1. Analysis of uran if erous perspectives, prospecting and exploration of stratum-in filtration uranium deposits;
2. Drilling and construction of technological wells, drilling of operational exploration wells;
3. Production and repair of mobile drilling units, manufacture and overhaul repairs of drilling equipment and motor transport;
4. Analytical work on determination of radioactive, and associated, elements in rocks and ground waters.

Volkovgeology is the main supervisor and performer of work on assessment of radioecology on the territory of the Republic Kazakhstan carried out under the Ministry of the Environment. Radioecological research conducted in recent years has covered two thirds of the country’s area; in which 82% of population live.

Due to its specificity Volkovgeology plays a strategic role in the implementation of Kazatomprom’s “15 thousand tons of uranium by 2010” program, which will allow Kazakhstan to become the world’s largest uranium producer.  Over the last three years the volume of drilling work has been increased threefold. According to calculations, in 2008 Volkovgeology drilled a total of 1,700,000 meters.

For further intensification of the production rate a new technological solution has been found.  Together with the Japanese companies Marubeni and Koken, the first world installation for integrated drilling of technological wells capable of constructing a well in a day has been developed. In the nearest future it is planned to commence a pilot operation. Up to 80% of metal structures will be manufactured by Volkovgeology itself allowing for a reduction in the cost of the unit to a greater extent. The increase of the production rate will allow the company to release resources and focus on exploration of new deposits; in order to provide a regular supply of Kazakhstan uranium to the world markets.

At present Volkovgeology employs 3 thousand people. Thanks to the high qualification and professionalism of its personnel, the latest developments inthe world’s and in national geology and state-of-the-art techniques of forecasting and deposit exploration are used at each stage of the company’s operation.

Sergei Sushko is Director General of Volkovgeology JSC.

Contact information:

168, BogenbaiBatyr Str.,
Almaty, 050012,

The Republic of Kazakhstan
Phone:   +7 (727)2926017
Fax:       +7 (727)2501359
E-mail: priemnaya-vg@kazatomprom.kz