Created in 1997 by Orano and Kazatomprom in Kazakhstan, KATCO operates the world’s largest in situ uranium mine. This in situ recovery technology (ISR) makes it possible to extract low-content uranium economically and with little environmental impact.
KATCO, the world's N°1 producer of ISR uranium
• KATCO shareholders: Orano (51%) and Kazatomprom (49%) Kazakhstani national operator.
• Annual production capacity: 4,000 tons.
• Over 46,000 tons of uranium produced since 2006.
• KATCO’s production accounts for 15% of Kazakhstan’s annual uranium production and 7% of global production.
• Annual production capacity: 4,000 tons.
• Over 46,000 tons of uranium produced since 2006.
• KATCO’s production accounts for 15% of Kazakhstan’s annual uranium production and 7% of global production.
The only mining site capable of producing 4,000 tons of ISR uranium per year
Established in 1996 to mine the deposits of Muyunkum and Tortkuduk in South Kazakhstan, KATCO draws on the international experience and expertise of Orano and Kazatomprom to develop its production activities.
Steady production secured for the next 20 years
In 2009, the KATCO mine became the world's largest ISR mine. A total of 46,000 tonnes of uranium have been produced since production began in 2006.
In April 2017, Orano and Kazatomprom strengthened their historic cooperation. By signing
a strategic agreement in such areas as the development of the South Tortkuduk project (located close to two current fields), KATCO is perpetuating its production for the next two decades.
South Tortkuduk Project
The South Tortkuduk parcel, with estimated uranium reserves of 46,000 metric tons, was discovered and logged by KATCO geologists. It is located between the two sites - Tortkuduk and Muyunkum - which KATCO has been operating for over 20 years.
The industrial deployment of the project began in August 2022. South Tortkuduk’s first ton of uranium was produced in June 2024 according to schedule.
The site is expected to reach full production capacity (4,000 tons of uranium) by 2026. Mining this new parcel should sustain KATCO’s production for around fifteen years.
A recovery method adapted to low-grade deposits
Recovering uranium without digging
The in situ recovery principle consists of injecting a leaching solution through shafts into the uranium deposit. The solution (dilute acid and water) dissolves the uranium as it passes through
the deposit and is pumped to the surface. The solution loaded with uranium is then transported by pipeline to the plant where the uranium is extracted and fixed on ion exchange resins. The solutions are enriched with acid and re-injected into the
wells, continuing the closed circuit process.
ISR technology has evolved with tight operational and regulatory controls. It causes little surface disturbance, does not generate tailings or waste rock, and requires less investment than conventional
mining. However, this technique is put into use only when the ore is located between impervious soil layers such as in Kazakhstan and Mongolia.
KATCO Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
The Company’s anniversary book that speaks volumes about the long way passed, experience gained, people who kept going forward and never gave up, about the value of the created product, about the Company’s mission and contribution to society.
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KATCO Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow (PDF - 6 Mo)Download
Nearly 50% of the world’s uranium deposits are mined using ISR techniques, according to the World Nuclear Association, WNA.
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