Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan become world’s leaders in uranium mining

Uzbekistan retained the fifth place in the world ranking of uranium mining countries, the World Nuclear Association says.

Uzbekistan produces 3,500 tons of uranium per year.

Kazakhstan ranks the first country in the world in uranium mining (22,000 tons, which is 45% of world supplies). Namibia with 5,753 tons, Canada with 4,693 tons and Australia with 4,192 tons rank next.

World reserves of natural uranium are estimated to be at 6.14 million tons. 28% are hosted in Australia, 15% in Kazakhstan and 9% in Canada. They are followed by Russia and Namibia, which account for 8% and 7% respectively. Uzbekistan with reserves of 132,000 tons (2% of world reserves) ranks 11th in the world.

The only enterprise in Uzbekistan that mines uranium and exports uranium oxide is the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Complex.