Kazakhstan produces about 40% of the world’s primary uranium and raised output by 9% in the first half of 2026. According to Kazatomprom data, 13,291 tonnes were produced between January and June, compared with 12,242 tonnes in the same period of 2025. The Central Asian country’s mineral wealth extends well beyond oil, and uranium is the resource that weighs most heavily on the global energy balance.
On an attributable basis, meaning the share corresponding to Kazatomprom’s stakes in its operating companies, first-half production came to 7,054 tonnes, up 10%. The average realized price from the company’s transactions rose 13% year on year, while the spot price ended June at $86.83 per pound. In the second quarter, sales totaled 4,548 tonnes, 3% more than a year earlier.
Kazakhstan has topped the global ranking since 2009. According to the World Nuclear Association, it holds about 14% of the world’s uranium resources, and the latest Red Book 2026 figures indicate reasonably assured resources of 491,256 tonnes. Kazatomprom closed 2025 with 25,839 tonnes produced on a 100% basis, and its attributable share accounted for roughly 20% of global primary production.
The company mines uranium using ISR (in-situ recovery) technology, which involves pumping a solution into the deposit and recovering the metal without conventional mining. It operates through subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates across 27 deposits grouped into 14 mining assets. Its partners include Cameco, which holds 40% of Inkai, and Uranium One. Most uranium oxide is sold under long-term contracts, while only limited volumes reach the spot market.
For 2026, Kazatomprom has confirmed a production target of 27,500-29,000 tonnes on a 100% basis and group sales of between 19,500 and 20,500 tonnes. The nominal level set by its subsoil use contracts has been revised from 32,777 to 29,697 tonnes, a decision tied to the balance between supply and demand. Meanwhile, exploration is under way in six areas of the country to replenish reserves, and in April 2026 the Akdala mining rights were transferred to Kazatomprom-SaUran, a wholly owned subsidiary.
The backdrop is favorable. Thirty-eight countries, Kazakhstan among them, have backed the goal of tripling global nuclear capacity by 2050. For European operators, Italy included, that are looking at new reactors and SMRs, the reliability of fuel supply becomes a planning issue. If demand grows at the pace indicated, Kazakhstan will remain the benchmark supplier for decades to come.
