The group will also provide engineering assistance to build fuel fabrication lines in Kazatomprom’s metallurgy plant in Ulba, Kazakhstan.
According to the joint venture framework, the fabrication facility will include a dedicated 400-tons-per-year line whose fuel pellets will be supplied by Kazatomprom. Its production will be sold by a company jointly owned by Areva and Kazatomprom.
Anne Lauvergeon, Areva’s CEO, said: With this strategic deal, both our companies become privileged partners. It will help diversify our fuel reserves and secure supplies for our customers. Likewise Niger and Canada, Kazakhstan becomes one of our three main partner countries for uranium production.
