New Strategic Partnership Boosts South Djengeldi Uranium Project with Global Investment and Ambitious Expansion Plans

New Strategic Partnership Boosts South Djengeldi Uranium Project with Global Investment and Ambitious Expansion Plans

(IN BRIEF) Orano and Navoiyuran have formalized an agreement to advance the South Djengeldi uranium mining project within their joint venture, Nurlikum Mining, by integrating it into Navoiyuran’s existing industrial base. The deal also brings Japan’s ITOCHU Corporation on board as a minority partner, reinforcing the commitment to developing the project, which is expected to sustain over a decade of production at a peak of 700 metric tons of uranium per year. This initiative is part of a broader strategic framework with Uzbekistan and includes plans for an exploration program aimed at doubling the mineral resources.

(PRESS RELEASE) SEINE, 13-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Orano and Navoiyuran have sealed a pivotal agreement to underpin the industrial development of the South Djengeldi uranium mining project under their joint venture, Nurlikum Mining. As part of the deal, the South Djengeldi project will be incorporated into Navoiyuran’s established industrial framework, which will serve as its operational base. In a further boost to the venture, Japan’s ITOCHU Corporation has joined as a minority partner, reinforcing the commitment of all involved to drive the project forward.

This strategic partnership not only consolidates recent progress within the joint venture but also signals a collective determination to fully develop the South Djengeldi mining operation. With its certified resources, the project is expected to sustain production for over a decade, reaching a peak output of approximately 700 metric tons of uranium annually. Moreover, the initiative is part of a broader cooperative framework outlined in the strategic agreement that Orano signed with the State of Uzbekistan in 2022. The partners are also set to launch an ambitious exploration program, with the objective of at least doubling the joint venture’s mineral resources.

Xavier Saint Martin Tillet, Senior Executive Vice President of Orano’s mining activities, remarked, “This project contributes to diversifying the group’s production sources. This new phase was made possible by the work undertaken over the past 5 years in Uzbekistan. Orano aims to bring its geological and technical expertise to the further project’s development and, in doing so, support the expansion of the company’s operations.”

About Navoiyuran

As the world’s fifth-largest uranium producer, Navoiyuran plays a key role in ensuring a sustainable and responsible supply of nuclear fuel. Specializing in the extraction and processing of natural uranium into uranium oxide, the company supports the global demand for clean energy through export sales.
With a workforce of over 9,000 professionals, Navoiyuran operates state-of-the-art facilities and employs advanced in-situ leaching technology to enhance efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Committed to safety, innovation, and operational excellence, the company continues to strengthen Uzbekistan’s position in the global nuclear industry, driving forward responsible resource development.

About ITOCHU Corporation

ITOCHU is a leading trading house and is engaged in a wide range of businesses, including imports, exports, and business investments in Japan and overseas in various fields, including textile, machinery, metals, minerals, energy, chemicals, food, general products, realty, information and communications technology, and finance.
ITOCHU pursues a policy of enhancing its contribution to and engagement with the SDGs through business activities while listening to all stakeholders, including the market, society, and consumers.
ITOCHU will continue to implement projects to help realize sustainable energy transition and carbon neutrality.

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SOURCE: Orano