France’s Orano Mining, Uzbekistan’s Navoiuran, and Japan’s ITOCHU have formed a trilateral agreement for uranium extraction at the Jongeldy deposit in Uzbekistan, with a $214 million investment planned. This partnership aims to enhance Uzbekistan’s position in the uranium market, particularly following Orano’s loss of assets in Niger. The project, alongside existing partnerships, signals a strategic shift for Orano towards Central Asia and international collaboration.
On March 10, 2025, France’s Orano Mining, Uzbekistan’s Navoiuran, and Japan’s ITOCHU entered into a trilateral agreement aimed at initiating uranium extraction at the Jongeldy deposit in Uzbekistan. This agreement is a significant advancement for Uzbekistan’s uranium sector as it seeks to enhance its global production capacity through collaboration with esteemed international firms.
Uzbekistan is already ranked among the world’s top five uranium producers, and the recent collaboration with Orano Mining and ITOCHU is anticipated to bolster the country’s position in this critical industry. The partnership is expected to encourage foreign investment, expand production capacity, and enhance the nation’s standing within the uranium market.
The development phase for the Jongeldy deposit entails an investment of $214 million over a span of three years, primarily from foreign firms, while Navoiuran will serve as the project operator. This arrangement is designed to lower production costs and effectively utilize existing industrial infrastructure, with an expected annual uranium yield of 500 tonnes, peaking at around 700 tonnes annually.
To facilitate this project, a joint venture named Nurlikum Mining will be established, in which ITOCHU will acquire a stake, further emphasizing the international collaboration involved in this initiative. Notably, the recent shift in leadership in Niger has led to French companies, including Orano Mining, losing access to their uranium mining rights in that country, prompting a strategic pivot towards opportunities in Uzbekistan and other regions.
Historically, Niger was a significant source of uranium for Orano, accounting for approximately 1,200 tonnes in 2022, while Canada remained the company’s largest supplier. The cessation of operations in Niger emphasizes the need for Orano to prioritize projects in Central Asia, reflecting a broader strategy following the loss of assets in Africa.
The Jongeldy project is part of an ongoing partnership between Orano and Navoiuran, initiated by a strategic framework agreement signed in 2022. In November 2023, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Orano Chairwoman Claude Imauven to discuss further cooperation in uranium exploration and extraction, indicating strong governmental support for these initiatives.
Orano Mining is also concurrently expanding its operations in other regions, having signed a preliminary agreement with Mongolia for the development of the Zoovch-Ovoo deposit in December 2024 and announcing plans for a small-scale mining operation in Uzbekistan in February 2025. These efforts underscore Orano’s commitment to diversifying its uranium supply sources amidst changing geopolitical landscapes.
The recent trilateral agreement between Orano Mining, Navoiuran, and ITOCHU marks a critical development in Uzbekistan’s uranium industry, particularly following Orano’s challenges in Niger. The initiative promises significant investments, increased production, and enhanced global positioning for Uzbekistan. Additionally, the partnership opened opportunities for Japan in securing stable uranium supplies. Looking ahead, this collaboration may lead to more profound relationships and increased investments in Uzbekistan’s mining sector.
Original Source: news.az
