China’s CNUC to aid Uzbekistan in uranium exploration and develop scientific center for mining

The state company "Navoiuran" will involve Chinese specialists in the exploration and extraction of uranium in Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Geology reported.

A delegation led by the General Director of the enterprise, Jamal Faizullaev, visited China at the end of August. The parties held talks on the development of bilateral cooperation with the China Atomic Energy Agency and the China Energy Administration.

Additionally, specialists from "Navoiuran" visited the scientific centers BRIUG and BRICEM, which belong to the China National Uranium Corporation (CNUC). These institutions develop solutions for uranium geology and processing technologies, respectively.

The Uzbek delegation familiarized themselves with the operations of enterprises involved in uranium conversion and enrichment, nuclear fuel production, and other innovative technologies. They held negotiations to implement these technologies in Uzbekistan.

As a result of the trip, the Ministry of Geology, "Navoiuran," and CNUC signed a trilateral agreement. Under this framework, the Chinese side will assist in geological exploration of promising sites in Uzbekistan.

A memorandum was also signed to establish a scientific and technological center for uranium and other valuable element exploration and extraction. Representatives of CNNC (the state corporation that includes CNUC) will arrive in Uzbekistan to begin work later this month.

"Navoiuran" signed its first memorandum of cooperation with CNNC last November. At that time, it was reported that the companies were considering several investment projects in the uranium industry.

In March, Faizullaev discussed the extraction of black shale uranium in the Navoi region with representatives from China Nuclear Uranium. Joint geological research was conducted in the "Madanli" and "Koscheka" areas in the Auminzatau mountains.