Uranium Deposits

In the nearest future, uranium is expected to remain nuclear energy's key fuel composite.

The resources of Kazakhstan contain about 19% of explored reserves of uranium in the world – which is around 1,6 million tons. Dozens of uranium deposits discovered on the territory of Kazakhstan are different in terms of formation conditions and practical value. The deposits grouped in the following six uranium provinces.

Chu-Sarysu uranium ore province. Uranium mineralization occurred in the regional stratum oxidation zones. Presently operating mines: Uvanas, Kanzhugan, Moinkum.

Syrdarya uranium ore province. Uranium mineralization occurred in the regional stratum oxidation zones. Presently operating mines: Northern Karamurun, Southern Karamurun.

Northern Kazakhstan uranium ore province. Genesis: vein-stockwork mineralization of Paleozoic and Paleozoic folded complexes. Shaft mining is in process on Vostok mine, by Stepnogorsk mill managed by Kazatomprom.

Caspian uranium ore province. The uranium occurrence is associated with the fossil fish phosphorous bone detritus conglomeration. Uranium production remains mothballed since abundance following the collapse of the USSR.

Balkhash uranium ore province. Endogenous vein stockwork of inland volcanogenic complexes. Uranium production stopped after the major deposits exhausted during soviet era.

Ili uranium ore province. Uranium occurs mainly in uranium-coal deposits formed by oxidation of the lignite beds roofs. There is no uranium production at present time.