Japan, Uzbekistan to launch joint uranium exploration project

The deal will result in the commencement of a uranium mining project in Uzbekistan, and aims to provide Japan with secure supplies of the fuel as the country begins to restart its nuclear power plants.

Under the proposed deal, JOGMEC and NMMC will work closely on uranium exploration during the coming five years and determine the amount and quality of the uranium deposits in the country.

Based on the results, JOGMEC will try to secure a mining concession to import the fuel as well as to export it to other countries.

At present, Japan is totally dependent on uranium imports to run its nuclear plants. Currently, all but two nuclear plants in the country are off-line due to safety fears caused by the triple meltdowns at the Fukushima No. 1 power station two year ago.

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