Beginning of a new phase for the Nurlikum Mining joint venture
In September 2025, the State Enterprise “Navoiyuran,” Orano Group (France), and ITOCHU Corporation (Japan) completed the evolution of their partnership within of the joint venture “Nurlikum Mining,” thereby expanding their cooperation.
These changes are based on the agreement signed on March 10, 2025, in Paris. This agreement paves the way for the industrial development of the “South Djengeldi” uranium deposit, located in the Tomdi district of the Navoi region.
Under the updated structure, SE “Navoiyuran” and Orano Group each hold a 45 percent stake in the joint venture. Japan’s ITOCHU Corporation joined the project as a participant with the remaining share. The project will be integrated into the existing production base of SE “Navoiyuran,” which has been appointed as the operational manager. This decision aims to reduce production costs and increase efficiency.
The “South Djengeldi” project is expected to provide stable production for 10 years. According to calculations, average annual uranium output will be 500 tons, with a peak of up to 700 tons.
This project is part of the strategic cooperation program signed in 2022 between Orano and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Within this framework, joint geological exploration will be carried out with the goal of at least doubling the volume of mineral resources.
About Orano
As a leading international operator in the field of nuclear materials, Orano delivers solutions to address present and future global energy and health challenges. Its expertise and mastery of cutting-edge technologies enable Orano to offer its customers high value-added products and services throughout the entire fuel cycle. Every day, the Orano group’s 17,500 employees draw on their skills, unwavering dedication to safety and constant quest for innovation, with the commitment to develop know-how in the transformation and control of nuclear materials, for the climate and for a healthy and resource-efficient world, now and tomorrow. Orano, giving nuclear energy its full value.
About ITOCHU Corporation
ITOCHU is a leading trading house and is engaged in a wide range of businesses, including imports, exports, and business investments in Japan and overseas in various fields, including textile, machinery, metals, minerals, energy, chemicals, food, general products, realty, information and communications technology, and finance. ITOCHU pursues a policy of enhancing its contribution to and engagement with the SDGs through business activities while listening to all stakeholders, including the market, society, and consumers. ITOCHU will continue to implement projects to help realize sustainable energy transition and carbon neutrality.