Orano Navoiyuran South Djengeldi Uranium Project: Advancing Uzbekistan’s Mining Future

The South Djengeldi uranium project stands as a landmark in Central Asia’s mineral development. The Orano Navoiyuran South Djengeldi uranium project integrates advanced techniques and multinational expertise while tapping into vast uranium reserves. It sets a new benchmark for sustainable mining and reflects the increasing global demand for cleaner nuclear power.

Located in Uzbekistan’s resource-rich Kyzylkum desert, the project is the outcome of a strategic alliance between French nuclear fuels company Orano and Uzbekistan’s state-owned Navoiyuran. This joint venture, realised through Nurlikum Mining, leverages local knowledge alongside international technical standards to explore and extract uranium deposits.

By registering 12,500 tonnes of uranium with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology, the project has rapidly ascended as a major contributor to global production capacity. This milestone follows the September 2020 permits awarded for the Djengeldi North and South zones, paving the way for further exploration initiatives.

Xavier Saint Martin Tillet, Orano’s Senior Vice President, emphasised that the development diversifies the group’s global production sources. This effort is part of Orano’s broader strategy, much like the comprehensive uranium mining market analysis, which underlines the importance of building resilient supply networks.

Who Are the Key Stakeholders in the Project?

The project assembles an international consortium of experts from across the nuclear and resource sectors.
• Orano brings in significant geological and technical expertise, gained over five years of preparatory work in Uzbekistan.
• Navoiyuran, as the project operator, uses decades of experience from the Kyzylkum region, ensuring local operational excellence.
• Itochu, a Japanese trading company, acts as a minority stakeholder, further bolstering financial and logistical support.

Nurlikum Mining oversees project development, combining the strengths of all partners. This collaborative structure is a model for modern mining developments, balancing risks and benefits efficiently.

What Production Capacity Will Be Achieved?

The project is projected to produce up to 700 tonnes of uranium annually, contributing around 15% of Uzbekistan’s total output.

This annual capacity, while moderate, ensures sustained supply over more than a decade. The development integrates with existing industrial infrastructures, such as processing facilities at Zafarabad and Sugraly, minimising capital expenditure and maximising operational synergies.

Employing in-situ leaching (ISL) technology, the project capitalises on environmental and cost benefits. Such methods are well suited for the sandstone-hosted deposits typical in the Kyzylkum desert. Their application reinforces the country’s reputation for innovative mining practices.

In a global context, similar projects include initiatives like the uranium production restart in Wyoming, which also harness cost-effective technologies.

How Does the Project Fit into Uzbekistan’s Uranium Industry?

South Djengeldi is a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s expansive uranium strategy. The deposit’s location in the Kyzylkum desert places it at the heart of one of the world’s most promising uranium reserves, estimated at around 5% of global supplies.

The project aligns with a 2022 strategic agreement between Orano and Uzbekistan’s government. This visionary framework seeks to double the country’s uranium output through systematic exploration and robust development programmes.

It also complements further plans to develop four additional uranium mines by 2026. As a result, Uzbekistan is set to challenge longstanding regional leaders, with a balanced partnership model that also reflects navigating resource nationalism and global tensions.

The integration of Soviet-era infrastructure underscores the planned efficiency. Existing transportation, power, and water networks receive upgrades instead of complete overhauls, enhancing both speed and cost-effectiveness.

What Exploration Work Has Been Completed?

Systematic exploration began in September 2020 with permits granted for both Djengeldi zones. Early assessments revealed significant uranium potential, ultimately leading to the formal registration of 12,500 tonnes of uranium resources.

Decades of Soviet-era data provided detailed geological maps that modern techniques could enhance. Advanced methods, including 3D seismic surveys and geochemical analyses, have refined resource identification and reduced environmental impact.

This comprehensive exploration approach mirrors industry best practices and ensures reliable production forecasts. The ongoing expansion of mineral resources is designed to extend the project’s lifespan well beyond initial estimates.

Such exploration strategies are in line with other ambitious developments. For instance, insights from evaluations at sites like the Mongolia Orano uranium project continue to inspire methodological improvements.

How Does This Project Compare to Other Orano Ventures?

The South Djengeldi project forms one of several critical assets within Orano’s global portfolio. Although its 700-tonne annual capacity is notable, it is smaller than some flagship projects.

Notably, Orano’s agreement in January 2025 with Mongolia for a $1.6 billion project points to a diverse range of operations, where production targets exceed 1,000 tonnes per annum. This difference illustrates how Orano tactically diversifies risk and leverages regional stability.

Orano’s methodical, five-year preparatory process in Uzbekistan contrasts with the accelerated timelines pursued in higher-risk areas. The measured pace underlines the importance of in-depth due diligence in geopolitical stable zones.

This balanced approach also introduces strategic uranium investment opportunities, allowing the company to manage risks while growing its portfolio globally.

What Are the Economic Implications?

The economic advantages of the project are multifaceted, spanning local and national benefits. With an estimated investment exceeding $500 million, the project drives substantial financial inflows during both the development and operational phases.

The integration of existing infrastructure reduces costs by using pre-existing transport, processing, and utility networks. As such, more capital can be channelled towards value-adding initiatives, enhancing overall project viability.

An emerging uranium supply chain strengthens Uzbekistan’s global status. In neighbouring Kazakhstan, uranium exports generated revenues of about $1.2 billion in 2024. These figures demonstrate the lucrative potential now being unlocked in the region.

Job creation is another significant benefit. The project is expected to generate hundreds of technical roles alongside numerous indirect service positions, contributing markedly to local economic development.

For additional perspectives on global uranium trends, consider this industry update on uzbek uranium production.

What Are the Next Steps?

Following the formal agreement, the project will progress through sequential development phases. Immediate efforts focus on infrastructure integration to connect the site with Navoiyuran’s operational base.

Between 2025 and 2026, the project will develop well fields, processing plants, and transport linkages—crucial for transitioning from exploration to commercial production. Simultaneously, further exploration will aim to expand mineral resources and extend the project’s lifespan.

Orano’s geological expertise will refine extraction methodologies, with ISL technology expected to drive production efficiency. Regulatory approvals, including environmental assessments and community programmes, will also advance in tandem.

Initial production is forecast to begin by 2027–2028, assuming timely progress. Partnerships with international utilities, bolstered by Japan’s involvement through Itochu, add further financial stability and market assurance.

FAQs About the South Djengeldi Uranium Project

When was the strategic framework agreement signed between Orano and Uzbekistan?
The framework was signed in 2022 and laid the foundation for the South Djengeldi initiative. It ensures coordination across all project stakeholders.

What is the expected peak production capacity?
The project aims for 700 tonnes of uranium annually, representing around 15% of Uzbekistan’s output and roughly 1% of global production.

How long is production forecast to continue?
Current estimates project over 10 years of production, with potential extensions as additional deposits are uncovered.

What role does Navoiyuran play?
Navoiyuran operates the project, utilising extensive regional experience to maintain local control over strategic mineral resources.

How many tonnes of uranium have been registered?
A total of 12,500 tonnes have been officially recorded with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology.

How does South Djengeldi compare to global uranium demands?
Its capacity forms a small but significant part of global supply, contributing to a strategically balanced market.

What mining method will be used?
Advanced in-situ leaching (ISL) technology will facilitate efficient resource extraction in the arid desert environment.

The Strategic Significance

The South Djengeldi uranium project is more than a production facility—it is a strategic asset for global uranium markets. It combines international expertise with local operations to foster stable and secure supply chains.

For Uzbekistan, the project bolsters national ambitions in the uranium sector and challenges the regional hegemony of neighbours like Kazakhstan. It represents how mature partnerships can meet rising global energy needs and environmental targets.

From Orano’s perspective, this development diversifies its assets to safeguard against geopolitical uncertainties. It is part of a proactive strategy to ensure that nuclear energy remains a viable and sustainable part of the world’s transition to a lower-carbon future.

With over 60 reactors under construction internationally, projects like South Djengeldi are positioned to play a vital role in meeting future market demands. The initiative also opens avenues for advanced processing and value addition, reinforcing the country’s strategic stance.

This comprehensive approach—involving innovation, collaboration, and efficient resource management—places the Orano Navoiyuran South Djengeldi uranium project among the most forward-thinking endeavours in today’s mining landscape.

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