Orano to start developing Uzbek mine with state-owned partner

French nuclear fuels company Orano said on Wednesday it would start developing its South Djengeldi uranium mining project in Uzbekistan as part of its Nurlikum Mining joint venture with Uzbek state-owned mining company Navoiyuran.

The mine is expected to produce for over a decade, with peak output forecast at 700 metric tons of uranium a year, Orano said in a statement.

Japan’s ITOCHU Corporation has also acquired a minority stake in the joint venture, the statement said, and the partners will embark on an exploration program with the aim of at least doubling the JV’s mineral resources.

(By Forrest Crellin; Editing by GV De Clercq and Mark Potter)