Kazakhstan aims for 22,800 tU output in 2015

Thursday, 12 March 2015

Kazatomprom, the world's biggest uranium producer, plans to increase output this year to 23,400 tU, up from 22,800 tU in 2014.

Nurlan Kapparov, head of the state-run company, announced the production target at its annual meeting to personnel held in Astana yesterday.

Kazatomprom has retained its leading position in the global uranium mining industry, he said, providing about 40% of the world’s total uranium production.

The company faces new challenges in 2015, however, in particular volatile spot uranium prices alongside an increase in uranium output, and issues related to cutting production costs, he said.

Kazatomprom remains committed to the principles of corporate social responsibility, he said. The company is focused on strengthening its human resources, including improvements to working conditions and staff morale, he said.

The average monthly salary at Kazatomprom enterprises increased in 2014 by 5.8% and the company funded the training of 295 students as prospective employees. The company employs 20,000 people.

An example of the importance the company attaches to social responsibility, Kapparov said KZT 2.5 billion ($13 million) had been allocated to maintaining the residential and recreational standards of mining villages in the Kyzylorda, East-Kazakhstan and Mangystau districts.

Kazatomprom enterprises regularly monitor safety and security at their uranium production sites and last year the number of detected violations of occupational and industrial safety requirements dropped by 28% compared to 2013, Kapparov said.

In 2014, Kazatomprom enterprises continued to ensure ecological safety at its production facilities, he said, adding that 23 of the company's affiliates and subsidiaries have ecological management standards certification. More than KZT 1.19 billon ($11 million) was spent last year on measures to reduce the negative environmental impact of uranium mining, including efficiency improvements to dust and gas collecting installations and water purification units.

Researched and written
by World Nuclear News