Qizilkok uranium mine launched in Navoi
Navoiyuran has officially launched commercial uranium mining at the Kyzylkuk deposit in Uzbekistan’s Navoi region, marking a significant milestone in the country’s strategy to double production by 2030. The project utilizes an innovative oxygen-based in-situ leaching method, which is expected to reduce production costs by two to three times while tapping into reserves estimated at 9,400 tons. With an annual capacity of 1,200 tons and a planned 15-year operational lifespan, the mine strengthens Uzbekistan's position as the world’s fifth-largest uranium producer. This expansion is part of a broader state program to modernize the industry and leverage the nation’s total resource base of over 151,000 tons.
The industrial phase of uranium mining has commenced at the Qizilko'k mine in the Navoiy region. Navoiyuran, the project operator, announced that commercial operations using the in-situ leaching method have been established. The mine's reserves are estimated at 9,400 tons, with total resources amounting to 10,900 tons. Inbusiness.kz reports on this development.
According to Jamol Fayzullayev, the company's Director General, pilot-industrial operation of the mine began in December 2024. After two years of active development, the project has reached the commercial stage. This step is being implemented within the framework of Uzbekistan's state program to increase uranium mining and processing volumes by 2030.
The Qizilko'k mine is planned for exploitation over 15 years, with an annual capacity reaching up to 1.2 thousand tons. Located in the eastern part of the Qizilqum Desert, this facility includes the Amantov, Qizilko'k, and Southern license blocks. An oxygen-based method that consumes fewer reagents is being utilized in production, which allows for a 2-3 fold reduction in production costs.
For reference, Uzbekistan ranked fifth in the world in 2024, mining approximately 4,000 tons of uranium. Navoiyuran currently manages 43 mines and is the sixth-largest producer in the global market. The company's total resource base stands at 151,100 tons.
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