UMP will process highly enriched uranium

/INTERFAX-KAZAKHSTAN, Ust-Kamenogorsk, September 29, 05/ - Ulbinsk metallurgical plant (UMP, Eastern-Kazakhstan oblast, WKO) - the biggest in CIS producer of atomic fuel for APS - in the beginning of October plans to set in operation installation for processing of highly enriched uranium in low enriched, akimat (administration) of WKO informed Interfax-Kazakhstan agency. According to information of akimat, solemn ceremony of installation launching is planned for October 8. Akimat noted, that in creation of this installation Russian scientists-atomists took part. Along with this UMP refused to inform Interfax-Kazakhstan agency anything regarding new project, offering to wait official ceremony of installation launching. UMP was established in 1949 as an enterprise, producing goods for needs of defense of former USSR. At present the plant is one of the biggest producers in the world in the field of its activity. UMP occupies 529.1 hectares of square, has more than 100 buildings and constructions, where uranium, beryllium and tantalum productions are situated. Besides, the plant has workshops on production of hydrofluoric acid, instrumental-mechanical, electrical repair and energy repair, and a number of subdivisions of production complex. UMP is a part of national atomic company of the republic Kazatomprom, which owns 90% of the plant's shares. Kazatomprom is operator in Kazakhstan on import and export of uranium and is one the ten leading uranium-producing companies of the world (5% of the world stake of uranium). Kazatomprom in 2004 produced 3320 tons of natural uranium against 2952 tons in 2003. [2005-09-29]