Kazakhstan’s national atomic company Kazatomprom has obtained subsoil use rights to conduct uranium exploration at the Kyzyltu site in the Kyzylorda region for six years, the company said.

According to Kazatomprom, the subsoil use rights for the site are held exclusively by the company, The Caspian Post reports.

Preliminary estimates indicate that the site contains about 10,000 tons of uranium resources. Geological exploration is expected to begin soon to refine the resource estimates and assess the site’s potential.

“Obtaining the uranium exploration license for the Kyzyltu block represents another consistent step in implementing the Company’s strategy to expand its mineral resource base. We will continue our systematic exploration of prospective areas in full compliance with all applicable regulatory and environmental requirements, supporting the Company’s long-term sustainable development and contributing to the development of the regions where we operate,” Kazatomprom Chairman of the Management Board Meirzhan Yusupov said.

Kazatomprom said expanding and efficiently utilizing its resource base remains one of the company’s key priorities. It is carrying out a geological exploration program designed to maintain and develop its resource potential and strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in the global uranium market.

Kazatomprom is Kazakhstan’s national operator for the export and import of uranium and its compounds, nuclear power plant fuel, special equipment and technologies. The company’s shares have been listed on the Astana International Exchange and the London Stock Exchange since November 2018.