During President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Tajikistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly explore, produce, and process uranium, rare, and rare earth metals, according to Kazatomprom’s press service.
The MoU, signed by Tajik Rare Metals (TajRedMet) and Kazatomprom, establishes a strategic partnership aimed at expanding cooperation in mining operations between the two Central Asian nations. The collaboration will cover various initiatives, including exploration, production, and processing of uranium and rare earth metals. The agreement also emphasizes research and development, the introduction of innovative technologies, and personnel training.
“This step is of great importance for strengthening the partnership between our companies. Although it is too early to talk about specific results, we are focused on promising joint projects in the uranium industry, as well as rare and rare-earth metals, which can bring significant benefits to both Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. We hope that this memorandum will become the basis for long-term and productive cooperation, promoting economic growth and the development of high technologies in both countries,” said Meirzhan Yusupov, CEO of Kazatomprom.
To further the collaboration, representatives from TajRedMet will soon visit Kazakhstan to familiarize themselves with Kazatomprom’s production capabilities and explore the potential for deeper cooperation.
Kazatomprom, the world’s largest uranium producer, contributed approximately 20% of the world’s total natural uranium production in 2023. The company operates 26 deposits grouped into 14 uranium mining enterprises across Kazakhstan, utilizing in-situ leaching technology while adhering to best practices in health, safety, and environmental protection.
TajRedMet, a state unitary enterprise under the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan, manages all tailings and waste dumps from Tajikistan’s uranium industry and oversees reclamation work within the country.
Additionally, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, the Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies of Tajikistan, Amonatbonk, and Freedom Bank signed an MoU to strengthen IT and innovation collaboration. This agreement focuses on advancing technology and fostering economic and social progress by enhancing digital infrastructure, e-government initiatives, and innovation, including establishing a technology park in Tajikistan to support startups and bolster the digital ecosystem.
