Uranium Mining Commences at Kizilkok Deposit in Navoi Region

The industrial phase of uranium mining has officially launched at the Kizilkok deposit located in the Navoi region, as reported by Zamin.uz. The state enterprise Navoiyuran, the project operator, announced the commencement of commercial operations using the in-situ leaching (ISL) method.

According to expert estimates, the deposit's proven reserves stand at 9,400 tons, with total resources reaching 10,900 tons. This development is seen as a significant step toward enhancing the country's energy independence and export potential.

Jamol Fayzullayev, head of the company, noted that pilot-industrial development of the field began in December 2024. Following two years of intensive preparation and testing, the project has reached full-scale production capacity.

This initiative is part of Uzbekistan's state program aimed at doubling uranium mining and processing volumes by 2030. The Kizilkok deposit is expected to be operational for at least 15 years, with an annual production capacity projected to reach 1.2 thousand tons.

Located in the eastern part of the Kyzylkum Desert, this large-scale facility comprises several license blocks. The production process utilizes an advanced oxygen-based method that reduces environmental impact and saves chemical reagents.

This technology allows for a significant reduction in production costs, by as much as 2-3 times. For reference, by the end of 2024, Uzbekistan mined approximately 4,000 tons of uranium, securing fifth place in the global rankings.

Currently, Navoiyuran manages 43 deposits across the country and stands as the world's sixth-largest producer. The company's total resource base exceeds 151,100 tons, underscoring Uzbekistan's long-term and stable position in this sector.