LONDON, May 2. /Dunyo IA/. Uzbekistan’s state-owned company “Navoiyuran” has announced the start of commercial uranium production via the in-situ leaching (ISL) method at the Kizilkok deposit in the Navoi region, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing with the British portal “World Nuclear News”.

“Pilot industrial operations at the deposit began in December 2024, and after two years of active work, the company has reached the stage of commercial production”, stated Jamol Fayzullaev, Director General of “Navoiyuran”.

According to him, the launch of production at the deposit marks the next phase in the implementation of the company's strategy aimed at ramping up uranium production volumes and strengthening the mineral resource base within the framework of Uzbekistan’s state program to increase uranium mining and processing through 2030.

In 2025, production of “Navoiyuran” reached 7,000 tons of natural uranium. The Kizilkok deposit, with a projected 15-year operational lifespan and an annual production capacity of 1,200 tons of uranium, is considered a key asset for ensuring further production growth and supporting regional economic development.

The company notes that the technology employed, utilizing oxygen, allows for enhanced uranium recovery and reduces production costs by 2–3 times.

According to the assessment of “Navoiyuran”, the mineral resources of the Kizilkok deposit total 10,900 tons of uranium, with ore reserves standing at 9,400 tons. The deposit is the third largest in the company's portfolio, following Sugraly (20,800 tons of uranium reserves) and Uchkuduk (14,800 tons). The project is slated for 15 years, with the potential for further expansion to the north.

According to the World Nuclear Association (WNA), Uzbekistan’s uranium production in 2024 amounted to approximately 4,000 tons, securing the country’s position as the fifth-largest producer globally, following Kazakhstan, Canada, Namibia and Australia.

“Navoiyuran” states that it is currently the world's sixth-largest uranium producer. The company is developing 43 deposits with total mineral resources of 151,100 tons of uranium, including 96,000 tons of JORC-compliant ore reserves.