Uranium production in Kazakhstan grew to 3 719 tons in 2004 - NAC Kazatomprom

/IRBIS, Natalya kouznetsova, March 14, 05/ - National atomic company KAZATOMPROM (NAC KAZATOMPROM, Almaty), with bonds listed under official "A" category of Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, released the announcement today, in which it says that in 2004 the uranium production reached 3,719 tons, up 10 percent relative to 2003 when it totaled 3,346 tons. The release states that total production in Kazakhstan includes produce of Kazatomprom as well as that of joint ventures Kazatomprom and Stepnogorsk mining chemical plant managed by Kazatomprom. Net share of Kazatomprom in total produce equals 3,363 tons of uranium. By 2010 the company eyes producing 15,000 tons a year making it world largest uranium producer. In 2005 it targets 4,000 tons. NAC Kazatomprom is a national company exporting uranium and other materials of dual usage. It 100 % run by Minerals ministry and pursues 6 main directions related to uranium field developments and production. As of beginning of 2005 it employed 19 000 in staff. [2005-03-14]